Hoof conformation in Icelandic competition horses and its interrelationship with hoof pathologies and tölt performance.

The study investigates the impact of special shoeing techniques, specifically those that increase hoof length and weight in distal limbs, on both the performance and hoof health of competition Icelandic horses (ICE). Key findings indicate that despite higher competition scores, an extended hoof length correlated with an increased occurrence of hoof deformities.

Objective of Research

The objective of this research was to analyze the current shoeing practices used on Icelandic horses in competition and their effects specifically focusing on:

• Qualitative and quantitative descriptions
• The impact of dorsal hoof wall length (L) on the occurrence of deviations in standard hoof conformity
• The performance of the tölt ( a special gait of the Icelandic horse)

Methodology

The study was conducted at four European competition sites where hoof dimensions of randomly selected Icelandic competition horses were manually measured and limb conformation and hoof balance were described. Additional measurements were taken through dorsopalmar/-plantar and lateromedial radiographs of the left front and hind hooves of each horse, using the Metron Hoof-Pro software to determine different parameters related to hoof dimensions and balance.

Findings

The study discovered that flares of the dorsal hoof wall were the most prevalent hoof deformity. After performing a multiple logistic regression analysis, it was found that a long L was associated with:

• The prevalence of toe flares
• A broken hoof pastern axis
• Asymmetry of the quarter wall heights

Despite the fact that horses with a longer L achieved higher scores in the competition, they are also more prone to various hoof deformities.

Implications

The implication of this study is a caution against the common practice of increasing hoof length in competition Icelandic horses as it introduces a risk of hoof pathologies, despite the increase in tölt performance. Thus, the need for regulatory oversight and review of shoeing practices becomes paramount for the health and well-being of these horses.