Pressure plate analysis of toe-heel and medio-lateral hoof balance at the walk and trot in sound sport horses.

This study examines the balance of horse hooves during walking and trotting, contributing to our understanding of equine lameness often associated with hoof imbalance. Using pressure plate technology, the research quantifies the balance of weight distribution in the toe-heel and medial-lateral portions of the hoof in healthy sport horses, finding significant symmetries and differences in load handling at varying gaits.

Study Purpose and Methods

• The purpose of this study was to use a scientifically rigorous method to understand how horses distribute their weight across their hooves when walking and trotting. Specifically, the researchers were interested in the balance between the toe and heel of the hoof (toe-heel balance) and the inside and outside of the hoof (medio-lateral balance).
• To study this, the researchers used a pressure plate, a device that measures the force exerted on a surface. This was dynamically calibrated to accurately assess the pressure from the horses’ hooves during different gaits.
• Seven Royal Dutch Sports Horses, a breed known for their sporting capabilities and hence indicative of the larger population of sport horses, were led across this pressure plate at both walking and trotting speeds.

Findings on Toe-Heel and Medio-Lateral Balance

• When examining toe-heel balance, the researchers found a high degree of symmetry between the left and right hoofs of the horses at both gaits. This suggests that horses, in general, distribute their weight evenly across the front and back of their hooves, regardless of whether they are walking or trotting.
• For medio-lateral balance, the results were more complex. At a walk, the horses tended to put more weight on the outside (lateral) part of their hooves. At a trot, the left hoof experienced more weight on the inside (medial) part of the hoof at the moment of impact, while the right hoof maintained more weight on the outside part of the hoof.
• The fact that these horses, in general, place more weight on the outside part of their hooves, especially when trotting, could help explain why imbalances in this area can lead to lameness.

Significance of the Study

• This study provides empirical evidence about the distribution of weight on the two primary axes of the horse hoof during different gaitypes. This data could help veterinarians and horse trainers better understand and address equine lameness linked to hoof imbalance.
• The findings may help in designing better horseshoes, training regimens, or therapeutic practices aimed at addressing and preventing lameness in horses.