Farrier Takeaways
Understanding exterior hoof conformation, loading forces characteristics
and the ability to observe the conditions are critical.
Knowledge of the horse’s seasonal competitive schedule can make a
difference in getting ahead of potential problems that can occur.
Identifying the most robust structures of the foot enables the farrier to adjust the trim to support the weaker structures.
Hydration levels in horses’ hooves will change dramatically not only from location-to-location, but also with naturally occurring seasonal change.
Competitive sport horses that compete at different regional locations might encounter higher saturation levels multiple times within the year and these continually changing circumstances can be detrimental to the overall health of the equine hoof.
The equine hoof capsule has the capacity to distribute a large amount of force derived not only from locomotion, but also the effects of ground reaction force.1 While the mechanics of the hoof largely are understood in the capacity of expansion, the vertical forces of weight bearing also are significant in the health of the hoof capsule. These forces coupled with changing environmental conditions can be challenging for a farrier to manage. The constant change from wet to dry conditions has been well documented as a factor in making footcare difficult in terms of farrier management.
A Proactive Approach
Nearly all of the horny structures on the exterior distal limb have the ability to distort. Wall flares are well recognized as being unfavorable. Solar conformation also might give a farrier a lot of information in regard to overall hoof health.
As the hoof capsule absorbs water, the hoof wall, sole and frog become more pliable. The horses’ natural habit of spending a lot of time standing and moving lends to overloading on the exterior of the hoof capsule. This, coupled with a softer more pliable horn, allows the hoof to become distorted faster.
Depending on the structural integrity of the hoof capsule, higher saturation levels might make it more prone to deformation and therefore the incidence of lameness also could become more likely.
To be proactive in hoof care is to be mindful in acknowledging hoof conformation changes as they happen. To do this, a farrier must have extensive knowledge in exterior hoof conformation, characteristics of loading forces and the ability to observe these conditions as the hoof capsule conformation changes.
Being proactive, rather than reactive, might be the fastest track to resolving hoof distortion and any related lameness. Enquiring with the owner or trainer as to the horses’ seasonal competitive schedule might make a difference in getting ahead of some of the problems that can occur, especially problems associated with seasonal or environmental changes. A farrier’s approach in footcare can play a pivotal role in managing any undesirable hoof capsule distortions.
Traditionally speaking, farriers search for a well-balanced foot via hoof trimming. Adding the concept of evaluating the structural integrity and overall health of the hoof capsule can add value to your shoeing prescription.
The function of the wall and sole is largely to create a robust protective barrier for the underlying bone and internal soft tissue structures of the hoof capsule.
Improving the integrity of the foot can be started before any problems begin to arise. Being mindful of the architecture of the foot and adapting other strategies in trimming and shoeing might influence the hoof capsule in a more positive direction. Trimming a hoof capsule with the same approach year-round might not be giving the horse what it needs. As the location and conditions change, the farrier’s approach to trimming also might need to change. Neutralizing loading forces with foot mass and balance can be one of the biggest assets in a farrier’s approach.
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The collateral grooves can help assess foot balance. When following this method, measurements are taken from the ground to the deepest position to the distal heel height.
A Stronger Hoof Capsule
Foot mass is thought to be just as important as foot balance; therefore, identifying the most robust structures of the foot can enable the farrier to adjust the trim to support the weaker structures.
When the horse’s hoof capsule becomes highly saturated, it might be more beneficial to approach the trim and shoeing biomechanics in a way that doesn’t force the hoof capsule into fitting certain parameters. Instead, changing the shoeing and trimming mechanics to set the horse up to correct itself. This approach can take time, but the structural integrity of the hoof capsule is less likely to be jeopardized in the process. This concept is possible with a methodical approach to footcare that adheres to modern farrier science, and utilizes numerous trimming strategies.
Creating a hoof capsule with wall strength that is robust enough to offset the forces of locomotion, coupled with the vertical forces of weight bearing, might help oppose any possible wall distortions. Therefore, adapting a trimming method that doesn’t challenge the wall thickness can be beneficial.
The barefoot community long has been “rounding” up the edges of the distal portion of the hoof to maximize proximal wall development. This method crosses over very nicely into modern farrier science with the advancements of glue-on shoes. When gluing, there’s no particular need for a crisp distal edge as gluing protocol doesn’t require a pointed edge to secure the shoe to for cosmetic reasons. Often, gluing on shoes for a 6- to 8-week period will dramatically improve wall health if the trimming method also is changed.
Diversifying your approach in terms of trim and shoe application often can help overall wall health.
Sole depth has been brought to the forefront of equine professionals’ minds in recent years with advancements in digital radiography. There has been a lot of recent discussion on the topic of sole callous and the need for thicker soles in horses. This method has been studied from various wild horse herds.3 The studies have suggested that horses can bear some weight on the sole region of the hoof capsule.
Sole depth and mass is vital to have as it helps to limit concussion-related pathologies in the solar region; for example, corium bruising and pedal osteitis.
Sole depth and mass create a buffer between the ground surface, which allows concussive forces to be minimized before those forces are transferred to the distal margin of the pedal bone.
Solar contour can be included in the initial external examination process to help evaluate weight distribution and loading force. Sole conformation can be evaluated in terms of concavity and depth.4
There are numerous ways to navigate around the sole to achieve balance without over paring of the solar region. Using hoof testers to evaluate the density of the sole can help to gain an idea of the thickness of sole before trimming takes place. If the sole shows little resistance to generated hoof tester pressure, this can indicate limited sole depth. This simple test alone might alter your trimming approach.
When hoof-care professionals evaluate depth of foot, it’s done by visually measuring the elevation of the anterior aspect of the solar region to the dorsal solar border from the live apex of the frog. Measuring the elevation of the sole from the apex of the frog to the dorsal/anterior border of the sole can give the farrier an understanding of sole concavity and depth. This visual evaluation should mirror the normal elevation of a typical coffin bone, that being from the solar view of the terminal arch to the dorsal border.
Typically the measured vertical elevation for the dorsal sole will be between 15 to 20 millimeters.4 This can be a good visual measurement to add to your examination to ensure that there’s enough sole depth left to allow coffin bone protection.
Gaining solar rigidity can be beneficial in the rehabilitation of the equine foot. Changing your approach to sole trimming might also help in maintaining wall flares.
To give an example, when evaluating the hoof, wall flares can be evident. Wall flares indicate overloading of the hoof capsule. Leaving healthy structural sole mass might offer solar rigidity to the hoof capsule and therefore offer the distorted wall some indirect support.
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The collateral grooves can help assess foot balance. When following this method, measurements are taken from the ground to the deepest position — near the bar and wall junction — to the distal heel height.
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This radiograph supports the concept of balancing a foot with the collateral groove. When both sulci are equal in measurement depth, it’s believed that the pedal bone is parallel to the ground.
Collateral Grooves And Hoof Balance
The collateral grooves of the frog can reveal numerous landmarks to the hoof-care provider. By carefully trimming the sides of the frog, the depth of the collateral grooves will be evident.
Not only can the widest part of the foot be located by the insertion of the bars against the frog,5 but also the vertical depth can be measured in terms of hoof balance.
Sole depth under the collateral grooves generally is consistent with approximately 10 millimeters of uninterrupted sole mass. This sole mass also directly projects onto the pedal bone. As there are very few distortions that take place in the collateral grooves, it can be a reliable place to measure medio-lateral balance.
When assessing balance from the depth of the collateral grooves, measurements are taken from the ground to the deepest position (near the bar and wall junction) to the distal heel height. When measured, if both sulci are equal in measurement depth, it’s believed that the pedal bone will be parallel to the ground.4
This method of achieving medio-lateral balance can be very useful with balancing a limb with one or more limb deviations, as often the deviations when evaluating balance can give a misrepresentation of actual balance.
Once the solar region is assessed, it’s possible to balance the hoof without over paring the sole and gaining structural rigidity through accumulated sole mass.
The frog has one of the highest hydration levels in the solar region and is thought to have an approximate hydration value of 50%. The frog is thought to help dissipate concussive forces through the transfer of energy to the underlying sensitive frog and digital cushion.4 A prolapsed frog can indicate that the vertical forces of weight bearing could be overloaded.
When farriers apply shoes to the horse, the horse gets elevated vertically off the ground. Lifting the horse’s foot off the ground and only loading the peripheral aspect of the foot, can challenge the solar suspension and concavity of the hoof. Shoe selection, in terms of stock height, can help this alone. Choosing a shoe that has a thinner stock height can help dramatically.
When the frog is elevated off the ground surface, most of the vertical forces are transferred to the wall structure and unless the horse is offered some solar support to reinstate normal loading forces, the structural stability could be overloaded. Applying solar support can help redistribute some of the weight-bearing forces.
Load sharing refers to assisting and redirecting the forces that are relayed from locomotion and static forces. Identification of the structures that need assistance can help make the shoeing prescription more detailed.
Identifying the most robust structures of the foot will also help discover the weakest structures. Some hooves might need extra support to help to make them functional before the farrier has the time to acquire enough hoof mass. This can be done numerous ways, and there are a variety of products on the market to help redirect some of the distal forces. Utilizing shoe selection and supporting the weaker structures with various therapeutic methods can help neutralize forces to some of the damaged horn.
Keratinophilic diseases are known to be destructive to the overall health of the hoof, often targeting the internal stratum of the wall.2 The internum stratum refers to sub-layer levels of the wall and due to the warmer, higher moisture levels, this area is a perfect breeding ground for opportunistic bacteria and fungus. Maintaining functional hoof capsule thickness can be a passive role in protecting the hoof from such conditions.
Topical solutions can play a significant role in maintaining a healthy hoof capsule. Part of the examination process when shoeing can include acknowledging hydration levels of the epidermal horn. Neutralizing dehydration or high saturation levels with good quality topical solutions can help and this approach might need changing seasonally.
There are numerous high-quality products that can be used by hoof-care professionals and horse enthusiasts alike. Offering clients advice in product selection in relation to observations can help the horse achieve a better quality foot, faster.
Summary
Seasonal changes to hoof quality can be challenging to manage. Often competitive horses will be the most difficult to manage because of their constantly changing environments. Typically, high-level horse trainers are hesitant to change the shoeing prescription mid-season. Changing your approach to the way a horse is trimmed can start well before a horse changes location, and can be beneficial in terms of the sustainability of a shoeing prescription.
Identifying the strongest and weakest structures in the foot allows a farrier to predetermine a trimming approach that can assist those structures. Evaluating the hoof capsule in all dimensions can help get a better overall idea of the health of that particular foot. Modifying a traditional trim with alternative theories can broaden a farrier’s approach and allow the horse to regain foot mass faster in challenging circumstances.
Changing the style of trim to offset any unwanted changes in hoof conformation often can be the fastest route to a sounder hoof capsule. This approach also can ensure the horse continues to compete, which in turn can make the shoeing process more rewarding for the farrier.
References
- Morrison S. Understanding Ground Impact and Heel Pain. roodandriddle.com/news/understanding-ground-impact-and-heel-pain.html.
- Moyer W. (2003) Hoof Wall Defects: Chronic Hoof Wall Separations and Hoof Wall Cracks. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, Volume 19, Issue 2, pp 463-477.
- Hampson BA, and Pollitt CC. (2011) Improving the Foot Health of the Domestic Horse – The Relevance of the Feral Horse Foot Model, Australia, Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Publication No. 11/140, Project No. PRJ-002510.
- Ramey P. (2011) Care and Rehabilitation of the Equine Foot, Georgia, Hoof Rehabilitation Publishing LLC, pp 290-292, 288-289, 286-289, 302-303.
- Equine Lameness Prevention Organization Inc. (2006) 4 Step E.L.P.O. Live Sole – Hoof Mapping Protocol. Equine Lameness Prevention Organization Inc. lamenessprevention.org/assets/docs/elpoprotocolsheets-print.pdf