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FA R R I E R F E AT U R E
SUMMER 2013 ISSUE
What is balance?
Balance is the state whereby the hoof wall,
sole, frog and bars are prepared so that
an equilibrium exists around the DIP joint
(pedal joint), with a shoe placed on the foot,
providing maximum base of support while
still minimising stresses and leverages to the
lower limb, both statically and dynamically.
Unequal loading
Equilibrium
We know that as the hoof grows and
lengthens, structures like the wall, bars, frog
and sole are likely to deform due to the mass
of the horse that is standing on them. This can
be exacerbated by conformational defects
and environmental situations i.e. weather
and conditions under foot. Under damp
conditions, the horn tubules that make up the
hoof become soft and more pliable therefore
subject to greater distortions. Modern breed
types also contribute to the situation as solid
strong hooves do not seem to be at the top
of the breeding wish list.
For the most part, recognition of these
distortions is the most important aspect of
modern hoof care, without the ability to
identify the distortions present in the hoof they
cannot be corrected. The challenge is relating
the outside of the hoof to the structures inside
i.e. P3/pedal bone. We cannot see inside
the hoof, without an x-ray, which is not
practical to do on every horse everyday!
In recent years a group called the Equine
Lameness Prevention Organisation (ELPO) and
others have developed an accurate method
of mapping out the under side of the hoof
using 'landmarks' that remain constant in
relation to the position of P3/pedal bone
within the hoof. Their method of identifying
and dealing with hoof distortions has taken
away the guesswork in trimming and the
positioning of a shoe to optimise the hoof's
performance. Armed with this knowledge it
is now possible to be much more precise in
'balancing' the hoof, this can only be of
massive benefit to our equine athlete's
long-term soundness.
Identifying and correcting hoof distortions
Excessive distortion
Hoof with excessive distortion showing correct shoe placement
EQUINE MATTERS
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