Finite element analysis (FEA) as a model to predict effects of farriery on the equine hoof.

The research article explores the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as a tool to model and predict the effects of various farrier techniques on horse hooves to avoid potential harm.

Finite Element Model Construction

• The researchers developed a finite element (FE) model that mimicked a small, symmetrical forelimb hoof of a horse using the IDEAS software. This digital model was used to calculate and visualize stress and displacement in the horse’s hoof capsule.
• The loading of the model was performed taking into account the suspension of the coffin bone within the hoof’s wall along with the pressure over the sole and frog. This suspension and pressure were modeled as pulling and compressing forces, respectively, with a total force of 3000 N.

Simulation of Shoeing Situations

• The ground nodes and surface wall nodes of the model were defined and restrained to simulate four different types of shoeing: regular horseshoe, horseshoe with toe clip, horseshoe with regular side clips, and horseshoe with toe clip and side clips attached more towards the rear, each was affixed to the hoof with three nails on each side.
• Each shoeing condition was evaluated in tense (tight) and loose nailed conditions.

Measurement and Analysis

• Stress levels in these hoof models were measured using Von Mises stresses. The stress varied significantly across different scenarios, with the lowest being 1.22 N/mm2 in the weight-bearing border of the loosely fixed side clip shoe, going up to 16.67 N/mm2 in the hoof material surrounding the third nail.
• They also found additional high-stress zones in the proximal dorsal wall, the distal heel, and the lateral hoof wall.
• Measurements of displacement occurred in the hoof wall, sole, and frog varying with shoeing conditions. The maximum displacement was found with a regular horseshoe without a clip while the minimum displacement was detected with a hoof wearing a toe clip and two side clips placed behind the third nail.
• Each simulated model showed higher displacement when calculated with a loose nail fixation.

Model Validation and Practical Application

• The researchers were unable to validate the minute details of their models due to current technical limitations.
• However, the findings indicate that Finite Element Analysis can be a practical tool to predict the influence of farriery techniques on the hoof, potentially helping farriers to avoid causing harm to horses’ feet through inadequate shoeing techniques.