Effects of stacked wedge pads and chains applied to the forefeet of Tennessee Walking Horses for a five-day period on behavioral and biochemical indicators of pain, stress, and inflammation.

This research aimed to determine the impact of applying stacked wedge pads and chains to the front feet of Tennessee Walking Horses on their behavior and biological measures of pain, stress, and inflammation. The results suggested no obvious immediate or short-term stress or pain responses due to the five-day application of these devices.

Study Design and Procedures

The study utilized 20 Tennessee Walking Horses which were split into two groups:

• The control group (10 horses) which were fitted with normal shoes (keg shoes)
• The other group (10 horses) which had stacked wedge pads applied and were exercised with chains

An accelerometer was attached to each horse to track daily activity starting ten days prior to the treatment. On ‘day 0′, regular exercise was stopped, the horses’ feet were trimmed and the designated treatment was applied. Post-treatment, from day 1 to 5, the usual exercises were resumed.

Blood samples were taken at scheduled intervals to measure levels of cortisol, substance P, and fibrinogen. These bio-chemicals can indicate levels of stress and inflammation in the horses.

Results

The researchers found no significant changes in the recorded levels of cortisol, substance P, and fibrinogen between the two groups of horses. There were observable changes in lying behavior after the shoes were applied, but no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The study concluded that applying stacked wedge pads and chains to the forefeet of the horses for a five-day period did not induce acute or subacute stress or pain responses, at least as far as could be measured by the indicators used in this study.

However, the researchers warned against extrapolating these findings to long-term use of such devices, particularly in Tennessee Walking Horses when performing running walks. The study highlights the need for evidence-based decision making regarding animal welfare and the use of stacked wedge pads and chains.