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Equine veterinary journal2006; 38(2); 170-174; doi: 10.2746/042516406776563242

Hoof growth between two shoeing sessions leads to a substantial increase of the moment about the distal, but not the proximal, interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: There is little insight into the effects of routine farriery on the internal structures of the distal limb in sound horses. Objective: To measure the effect of change in hoof conformation during a shoeing interval on the moments about the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ, DIPJ) and to determine whether and how the horse compensates for this change in hoof conformation. Methods: Both front feet of 9 sound Warmblood horses were measured while standing on a pressure-force measuring system and radiographed in a lateromedial direction shortly after shoeing and 8 weeks later. From these data, ground reaction forces (GRF) and lever arms were measured in order to calculate joint moments. Results: After 8 weeks, the moment about the PIPJ did not increase significantly, but the moment about the DIPJ did so, indicating a compensatory mechanism for a change in hoof conformation in the DIPJ. Conclusions: Standing horses compensate for hoof conformation change during an 8-week shoeing interval, which leads to increased DIPJ extension and consequently an increased loading of the deep digital flexor tendon. Conclusions: This study quantifies the effect of a shoeing interval on the internal structures of the foot and helps to determine an appropriate shoeing interval for individual horses in which the hoof with the lowest hoof angle is the best indicator. The exact determination of an optimal individual shoeing interval requires further study.
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Publication Date: 2006-03-16 PubMed ID: 16536388DOI: 10.2746/042516406776563242Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Research Overview

This research investigates the effects of hoof growth between shoeing sessions on the internal structures of a horse’s distal limb and how horses compensate for these changes in hoof conformation. Specifically, the study measures the changes in moments around the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ, DIPJ).

Research Methodology

  • The study involved nine sound Warmblood horses. These horses had their front feet measured while standing on a pressure-force measuring system just after shoeing and then again after eight weeks.
  • The researchers also radiographed the horses’ feet from a lateromedial direction at these same intervals.
  • The data collected included ground reaction forces (GRF) and lever arms.
  • These measures were used to calculate joint moments, which indicate the rotational force acting on the joint.

Key Findings

  • The research found that after eight weeks, there was no significant increase in the moment about the PIPJ. However, there was a substantial increase in the moment about the DIPJ.
  • This increase in the DIPJ suggests that horses have a compensatory mechanism for changes in hoof conformation. Specifically, they increase DIPJ extension, which leads to an increased loading of the deep digital flexor tendon.

Significance of the Study

  • This study provides quantitative insight into the effects of a shoeing interval on the internal structures of a horse’s foot.
  • The findings can potentially help determine the most suitable shoeing interval for individual horses. The study suggests that the hoof with the lowest angle is the best indicator for making this decision.
  • The research highlights that further studies are needed to precisely determine the optimal individual shoeing interval.

Cite This Article

APA
Moleman M, van Heel MC, van Weeren PR, Back W. (2006). Hoof growth between two shoeing sessions leads to a substantial increase of the moment about the distal, but not the proximal, interphalangeal joint. Equine Vet J, 38(2), 170-174. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776563242

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 38
Issue: 2
Pages: 170-174

Researcher Affiliations

Moleman, M
  • Derona Equine Performance Laboratory, Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, NL-3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Heel, M C V
    van Weeren, P R
      Back, W

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Biomechanical Phenomena
        • Exercise Test / veterinary
        • Forelimb / physiology
        • Hoof and Claw / growth & development
        • Hoof and Claw / physiology
        • Horses / physiology
        • Pressure
        • Time Factors
        • Toe Joint / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 14 times.
        1. Antonioli ML, Canola PA, de Carvalho JRG, Fonseca MG, Ferraz GC. Immediate Effect of Hoof Trimming on Hoof and Thoracic Joint Angles in Mangalarga Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 2;13(15).
          doi: 10.3390/ani13152490pubmed: 37570298google scholar: lookup
        2. Kawahisa-Piquini G, Bass L, Pezzanite LM, Moorman VJ. Hoof Unevenness in Juvenile Quarter Horses During First 6 Months of Training. J Equine Vet Sci 2023 Jul;126:104494.
          doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104494pubmed: 37075868google scholar: lookup
        3. Sharp Y, Tabor G. An Investigation into the Effects of Changing Dorso-Plantar Hoof Balance on Equine Hind Limb Posture. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 24;12(23).
          doi: 10.3390/ani12233275pubmed: 36496795google scholar: lookup
        4. Seidel SRT, de Souza AF, Fülber J, Bogossian PM, Rodrigues NNP, Baccarin RYA. Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma applied in the coronary band of healthy equine hooves. Can Vet J 2021 Jul;62(7):729-735.
          pubmed: 34219782
        5. Malone SR, Davies HMS. Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot. Animals (Basel) 2019 Nov 22;9(12).
          doi: 10.3390/ani9121017pubmed: 31766684google scholar: lookup
        6. Pitti L, Oosterlinck M, Díaz-Bertrana ML, Carrillo JM, Rubio M, Sopena J, Santana A, Vilar JM. Assessment of static posturography and pedobarography for the detection of unilateral forelimb lameness in ponies. BMC Vet Res 2018 May 2;14(1):151.
          doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1462-8pubmed: 29716596google scholar: lookup
        7. Faramarzi B, Nguyen A, Dong F. Changes in hoof kinetics and kinematics at walk in response to hoof trimming: pressure plate assessment. J Vet Sci 2018 Jul 31;19(4):557-562.
          doi: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.4.557pubmed: 29486539google scholar: lookup
        8. Leśniak K, Williams J, Kuznik K, Douglas P. Does a 4-6 Week Shoeing Interval Promote Optimal Foot Balance in the Working Equine?. Animals (Basel) 2017 Mar 29;7(4).
          doi: 10.3390/ani7040029pubmed: 28353665google scholar: lookup
        9. Wiggers N, Nauwelaerts SL, Hobbs SJ, Bool S, Wolschrijn CF, Back W. Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0114836.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114836pubmed: 25646752google scholar: lookup
        10. Stachurska A, Wnuk E, Łuszczyński J, Donderowicz W. Preliminary Biometric Study on Symmetry of Hoof Solear Aspect in Forelimbs in Four Horse Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 21;15(23).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15233369pubmed: 41375428google scholar: lookup
        11. Haussler KK, le Jeune SS, MacKechnie-Guire R, Latif SN, Clayton HM. The Challenge of Defining Laterality in Horses: Is It Laterality or Just Asymmetry?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 21;15(3).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15030288pubmed: 39943060google scholar: lookup
        12. Seery S, Gardiner J, Bates KT, Pinchbeck G, Clegg P, Ireland JL, Milner PI. Changes in pressure distribution of the solar surface after a single trimming event are associated with external hoof measurements in the equine fore foot. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1255-1264.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14463pubmed: 39785669google scholar: lookup
        13. Poochipakorn C, Sanigavatee K, Wonghanchao T, Huangsaksri O, Chanda M. Strategic palmar trimming before conventional shoeing shows potential for managing underrun heels in horses. F1000Res 2023;12:1504.
          doi: 10.12688/f1000research.134321.2pubmed: 38854697google scholar: lookup
        14. Deeming LE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Webster JR, Cox N, Zobel G. Evaluating the immediate effects of hoof trimming on dairy goat hoof conformation and joint positions. Vet Res Commun 2024 Apr;48(2):1073-1082.
          doi: 10.1007/s11259-023-10273-0pubmed: 38103118google scholar: lookup
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