In-shoe foot force sensor to assess hoof balance determined by radiographic method in ponies trotting on a treadmill.

The research study focuses on the application of an in-shoe foot force sensor and a motion analysis system, called ‘Fscan’, to assess the balance of a horse’s hoof during movement. The researchers tested the effects of two different hoof trimmings on the distribution of force during trotting, using a radiographic method to measure any asymmetry caused by uneven hoof balance.

Methodology and Objectives

• The in-shoe foot force sensor and Fscan system were used to monitor the distribution of vertical forces under a horse’s foot while in motion. This enabled accurate measurement and recording of force distribution during the horse’s trot cycle.
• Two different trimming techniques were employed to examine their effects on foot force distribution. The first technique involved increasing the height of the lateral hoof wall, while the second technique aimed to restore the foot’s mediolateral balance.
• The research was conducted in order to understand the effects of trimming on a horse’s trot, with a particular focus on asymmetry caused by uneven hoof bearing, a common issue in equine health and performance.

Findings and Interpretation

• The researchers monitored the centre of force of the weight-bearing foot and the distribution of forces on the lateral and medial solar surfaces during a stride. This allowed them to quantify any changes in force distribution and load-bearing resulting from the two trimming techniques.
• They found that after optimal trimming, the centre of force tended to align with the palmar figure’s centre—this location is perpendicular to the centre of the distal interphalangeal joint, a key point in understanding hoof balance and force distribution.
• The study found that the total forces recorded under the lateral and medial parts of the foot during a stride tended to balance out after corrective trimming. This suggests the potential for trimming to correct imbalances in force distribution during equine motion, leading to improved hoof health and performance.

In summary, this study introduces a new method of analyzing hoof balance in horses and suggests that careful, corrective trimming can significantly impact force distribution during trotting, potentially improving equine health and performance.