The effect of shoeing on kinetics and kinematics during the stance phase.

This research investigates the impact of wearing a standard iron shoe on the performance and stress levels of horses’ locomotor apparatus during the stance phase, or period when a foot is on and in contact with the ground. The study evaluates changes in the mechanisms of horse movement and the force exerted on the ground before and after using such shoe options, revealing noticeable differences in the stance phase and giving groundwork for further research on different hoof care techniques.

Research Objectives

• The study’s primary objective was to understand the changes in the locomotion pattern and ground reaction force during the horse’s stance phase—when the hoof is in contact with the ground—attributed to the use of a standard iron shoe.
• The research aimed to examine any differences in horse performance and stress levels in the locomotor apparatus with the application of such shoes.

Research Methodology

• Six Swedish Warmblood horses were involved in the study, undergoing kinetic and kinematic evaluations before and after being shod with an 8mm iron shoe.
• The collected data were used to calculate the vertical and craniocaudal (front-back) ground reaction forces, the point of application of the force, different joint angles—including hoof, pastern, fetlock, carpal, and tarsal—hoof segment angle, and the landing velocity of the hoof.
• Joint angular velocity or the rate of change of the angular position of a joint was also calculated in this research.

Research Findings

• The study found that horses altered the conditions of their limbs during the initial phase of the stance, or concussion phase. It observed changes in hoof-landing velocities.
• The iron shoe seemed to affect the concussion-dampening mechanisms of the distal limb, which is the portion farthest from the horse’s body and includes parts like the hoof and pastern.
• Without shoes, the coffin and fetlock joints in the forelimb rotated more rapidly and less in the hind limb. An earlier off-loading by the carpus and tarsus—the wrist and ankle equivalent structures in horses—led to lower initial horizontal loading at the hoof.
• While the primary changes were noted in the concussion phase, the study found shoeing altered even mid-stance loading and roll-over—the action of shifting weight from one side of the hoof to the other while tilting forward.

Implications of Research

• Iron shoes lead to noticeable differences in the movement and load on the distal limb of horses.
• This study lays the groundwork for further investigation into the influence of different farriery techniques on horse’s hoof health and body movement.