The program for next winter’s International Hoof-care Summit is already starting to take shape. The dates for this seventh annual event are Feb. 2 to 5, 2010, and the location is Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Jeff Thomason, a researcher at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, and a world-renown researcher on equine biomechanics, will offer an in-depth look at several topics that will be of special interest to footcare professionals.

8 “Biomechanics Of Impact, Support And Breakover.” The researcher in Guelph’s Department of Biomedical Sciences will analyze the impact of both shoes and surfaces on biomechanics. His presentation will also offer an in-depth update on important new research being conducted between now and next winter’s Summit.

8 “Functional Anatomy Of The Foot.” Having set the scene with the previous topic on the types of mechanical abuse that the hoof experiences, Thomason will follow-up on related footcare experiences from the perspective of the anatomy of the foot.

He’ll analyze the anatomical components of the hoof and explain which are most important during each phase of the stance. You’ll learn how each hoof component handles which aspect of the abuse, along with the critical impact of evaluating various types of shoes.

“This talk should clearly lay out what we know and do not know about the hoof as a machine,” says Thomason. “The aim is to continue to make the science relevant and applicable to farriers and equine veterinarians.”

8 “Mechanical Principles And Leg Anatomy.” This presentation will build…