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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(18); doi: 10.3390/ani14182697

Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness.

Abstract: Hoof trimming and shoeing determine the horse's hoof shape and balance. Hoof conformation plays a crucial role in limb biomechanics and can consequently prevent or predispose to injury. This study investigated the relationship between the morphometric characteristics of the horse's hoof, specifically, the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA), the coronet band circumference (CBC), and lameness in 73 horses categorised as undertaking either show jumping, dressage, or riding school activities. Results from logistic regression indicated that horses with either a combination of acute DHWA with large CBC, or more upright feet with larger DHWA and smaller CBC have higher probabilities of lameness. Show jumping and dressage horses showed a higher prevalence of lameness. Hoof morphometry should be monitored, and podiatric interventions should be regularly scheduled for the maintenance of correct hoof conformation to prevent injury. This study suggests that an aligned hoof-pastern axis managed by a DHWA of around 50 degrees may prevent lameness, with special emphasis on horses in dressage and show jumping activities. On the other hand, we can also speculate that the disturbed axis alignment of DHWA may be a cause of lameness.
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Publication Date: 2024-09-17 PubMed ID: 39335286PubMed Central: PMC11444133DOI: 10.3390/ani14182697Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research observes that the shape and balance of a horse’s hoof, influenced by hoof trimming and shoeing, plays a significant role in horse limb biomechanics. In particular, the study assesses how hoof configuration might prevent or cause injury, focussing on the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA) and the coronet band circumference (CBC). The study shows horses with certain hoof characteristics are more likely to suffer from lameness, noting a higher prevalence in show jumping and dressage horses.

Methodology

  • The study examined the relationship between the morphometric traits of horse’s hoof and lameness.
  • 73 horses were involved in the study and were categorised based on their activities, which included show jumping, dressage, or riding school activities.
  • The researchers looked specifically at the dorsal hoof wall angle (DHWA) and the coronet band circumference (CBC) as key parameters.

Findings

  • The study found that particular combinations of DHWA and CBC in a horse’s hoof were associated with higher probabilities of lameness.
  • Horses with an acute DHWA and a large CBC, or horses with more upright feet (large DHWA) and a smaller CBC, were more likely to be lame.
  • Show jumping and dressage horses demonstrated a higher incidence of lameness.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The research emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring hoof morphometry and scheduling podiatric interventions to maintain correct hoof conformation and prevent injury.
  • An aligned hoof-pastern axis, managed by a DHWA of approximately 50 degrees, may help to prevent lameness. This is particularly relevant for horses engaged in dressage and show jumping activities.
  • The study also postulates that an unaligned axis of DHWA could be a cause of lameness, though more investigation is required to confirm this speculation.

Cite This Article

APA
Mata F, Franca I, Araújo J, Paixão G, Lesniak K, Cerqueira JL. (2024). Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness. Animals (Basel), 14(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182697

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 18

Researcher Affiliations

Mata, Fernando
  • Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
Franca, Inês
  • Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
Araújo, José
  • Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Mountain Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
Paixão, Gustavo
  • Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Lesniak, Kirsty
  • Equine Science Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
Cerqueira, Joaquim Lima
  • Center for Research in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
  • Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. 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
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