Effects of ground surface deformability, trimming, and shoeing on quasistatic hoof loading patterns in horses.

The research investigates how ground surface firmness, hoof trimming, and shoeing affect the weight distribution patterns on horse hooves. The results indicated that both the ground surface firmness and trimming/shoeing practices can significantly alter the contact area and load distribution on horse hooves.

Research Methodology

• The researchers observed the following methods in this study on horse feet:
  • A total of 30 clinically normal horses were used in this study, 25 for the initial comparison and 5 for observing changes over time while the horses were housed on a flat nondeformable surface.
  • Solar (bottom of the hoof) load distribution was recorded and compared on both solid nondeformable and highly deformable surfaces.
  • Changes in load distribution after traditional hoof trimming and shoeing were recorded.

Research Findings

• The study identifies the weight distribution pattern on horse hooves in different scenarios.
  • On a solid, nondeformable surface, the weight distribution pattern among normal horses was divided between four-point (48% of horses) and three-point (52% of horses) wall load distributions.
  • On a deformable surface, the load distribution was primarily across the central region of the solar area of the hoof.
  • Housing horses on a firm, nondeformable surface altered the weight distribution, removing the three- and four-point loading pattern and increasing the contact surface area.
• The contact surface area between the hoof and ground surface significantly increased when the ground surface was deformable compared to a solid, nondeformable surface.
• Trimming and shoeing practices also altered this contact area, with an overall trend towards increased ground surface contact area.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that in horses, the solar surface carries the majority of weight, and the deformability of the ground surface plays a key role in hoof expansion during loading.
• The increased surface area induced by loading on deformable surfaces, trimming, and shoeing appears beneficial as it provides more protection to the foot.