In recognition of the 35th anniversary of American Farriers Journal. this Research Journal will review some “classic” publications from the last 35 years. These are not reports of new, original research, but remain important, exemplary contributions to farriery and veterinary science.

A Shoeing and Lameness Landmark

This was a landmark journal article that covered several of the basic principles of good shoeing and in many ways opened the door to using proper shoeing to prevent lameness.

The partnership between co-authors Dr. Bill Moyer and Jack Anderson, the resident farrier at New Bolton Center, was itself a tremendous precedent for vet-farrier relations. The paper wasn’t based on research, but was a good review of clinical information based on collective, practical experience.

The authors presented a great discussion of how the type, shape and position of the shoe affect the base of support under the limb; with closely fit heels, pads, heel calks, toe grabs and dubbed toes all reducing or moving the ground surface out from under the leg. The value of concaving the hoof surface of the shoe to prevent sole bruising and the importance of hoof balance are also discussed. Toe grabs are described as reducing the ground surface area of the hoof, causing a horse to “climb,” stumble or both, affecting breakover and causing interference.

The authors recommended rim shoes or fully fullered shoes and reducing toe-grab and Borium height as much as possible. This paper inspired many hypotheses and research objectives in the world of shoeing, orthopedic…