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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2001; (33); 54-57; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05359.x

In vivo and in vitro heel expansion in relation to shoeing and frog pressure.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to validate a simple method to measure the mediolateral expansion of the heels and to apply this method in an in vivo experiment. It was also the aim to quantify the mediolateral expansion in different areas of the heel using an in vitro model. In the in vitro study, 5 right and 5 left distal forelimb specimens from 5 Standardbreds were mounted vertically in a custom-made compressive test machine. The heel expansion was measured using optical kinematic analysis and a potentiometer system. Specimens were tested unshod, with frog pressure and with the weightbearing rim raised. In the in vivo study, a potentiometer system was fitted to the left forelimb of 5 Standardbred trotters. Measurements were performed with the horses at hand, in walk and in trot. They were tested unshod, shod with a standard 8 mm iron shoe and finally with a shoe combined with an inflatable hoof-cushion. The results showed a good correlation between the 2 measurement systems (r = 0.98). This study describes the effect of different frog pressures on heel movement. Increased pressure on the frog and the sole increased heel expansion, but some heel expansion still occurred when the frog and sole were unsupported. The study supports, therefore, both the depression and the pressure theory. The significance of these results is the manipulation of heel movement as affected by farrier techniques and its possible relationship to health of the hoof. Further studies are needed to apply this knowledge correctly to farrier practice.
Publication Date: 2001-11-28 PubMed ID: 11721569DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05359.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Validation Study

Summary

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This study investigates a method for measuring the expansion of a horse’s heels, and how this expansion changes under different conditions, such as varying pressures from the horse’s hoof and different shoeing techniques. The researchers also tried to correlate the observed changes in heel expansion to the health of the hoof.

Study Aim and Methodology

  • The study had two main goals: to validate a simple, accurate method for measuring the medial-lateral expansion of a horse’s heels and to investigate how this expansion varies in different areas of the heel and under varied conditions using both in vivo and in vitro models.
  • The in vitro part of the study involved the use of five right and five left distal forelimb specimens from Standardbred horses. These specimens were tested in a variety of states: unshod, with pressure on the frog (the v-shaped part in the center under a horse’s hoof), and with the weightbearing rim raised.
  • On the other hand, the in vivo part of the study was carried out with live Standardbred horses. Measurements were taken from the left forelimb at three different states: unshod, shoeing with standard iron shoes, and shoeing combined with inflatable hoof-cushions. Data was collected while the horses were at rest, and also during a walk and trot.

Research Findings

  • The findings from the study demonstrated a strong correlation between the two measurement systems. This suggests the methods used in the study are reliable and accurate for further use and investigation.
  • The researchers found that increasing pressure on the frog and soul of the horse’s hoof resulted in greater heel expansion. Interestingly, some heel expansion still occurred even when the frog and soul were not supported, supporting both the pressure and depression theories.
  • The study’s result also provided insights into how heel movement can be manipulated using different farrier (horse shoeing) techniques, which in turn affect the health of the hoof.

Implications and Future Research

  • The study opens up avenues for further research into understanding the biomechanics of a horse’s hoof, particularly the relationship between heel movement and the health of the hoof.
  • This knowledge could be used to improve farrier techniques and horse shoe design, potentially leading to better hoof health and, by extension, overall well-being and performance of the horse.
  • Future studies are necessary to properly apply the knowledge gained from this research to the practices of farriery.

Cite This Article

APA
Roepstorff L, Johnston C, Drevemo S. (2001). In vivo and in vitro heel expansion in relation to shoeing and frog pressure. Equine Vet J Suppl(33), 54-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb05359.x

Publication

NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 33
Pages: 54-57

Researcher Affiliations

Roepstorff, L
  • Department of Equine Studies, (PO Box 7046), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Johnston, C
    Drevemo, S

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Forelimb / anatomy & histology
      • Forelimb / physiology
      • Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
      • Hoof and Claw / physiology
      • Horses / anatomy & histology
      • Horses / physiology
      • Locomotion / physiology
      • Pressure
      • Shoes
      • Stress, Mechanical

      Citations

      This article has been cited 5 times.
      1. Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Carnall H, Brinkley L, Harborne D, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Hoof Impact and Foot-Off Accelerations in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses Trialling Eight Shoe-Surface Combinations. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 23;12(17).
        doi: 10.3390/ani12172161pubmed: 36077882google scholar: lookup
      2. Horan K, Coburn J, Kourdache K, Day P, Harborne D, Brinkley L, Carnall H, Hammond L, Peterson M, Millard S, Pfau T. Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 3;11(9).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11092588pubmed: 34573553google scholar: lookup
      3. Mieszkowska M, Adamiak Z, Holak P, Głodek J, Jastrzębska E, Wolińska K, Mieszkowski M. The Effect of Horse Shoeing with Egg Bar Shoes and Shoes with Wedge Pads on the Results of Thermal Imaging of the Equine Distal Limb. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 21;11(6).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11061479pubmed: 34063756google scholar: lookup
      4. 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
      5. 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