The forelimb reciprocating apparatus of the horse is a unique and important biomechanical system that every farrier must understand before good decisions concerning hoof trim and appliances can be made. Detailed study of tissue types is the first step, but we also have to be careful of our choice of terminology.
As farriers, we can use farriery and different farriery techniques to aid biomechanical function. But first, we must study the foot and understand form and function.
Recognized as one of the most accomplished and knowledgeable farriers in the world, Mark Caldwell of Alsager, England, has added yet another accomplishment to his lengthy résumé — a doctor of philosophy.
Shoeing with wedges is all about redistributing the forces among the force bearing structures of the hoof. This statement by Jeff Thomason, of the University of Guelph, encapsulates the purpose of wedges in farriery.
The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
IV Tildren for Navicular Syndrome The efficacy of administering the injectable bisphosphonate medication for horses (Tildren) in two different ways was evaluated for the treatment of navicular syndrome. Twelve horses diagnosed with bilateral navicular syndrome were randomly assigned to receive Tildren either systemically by intravenous injection or by using regional limb perfusion, where the drug is “back-flushed” directly into the blood vessels of the lower limb so that it is delivered to the lower limb and hoof in a more direct, concentrated manner.
The information, ideas and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Veterinarians in Belgium examined the dorsopalmar and mediolateral hoof balance of five toed-in warmbloods that weren’t lame at the time of the study. They used a pressure plate to assess the symmetry of vertical ground reaction forces as a measure of hoof balance and limb loading symmetry at a walk. Their hypothesis was that toed-in conformation primarily affects mediolateral balance.
The principle that a veterinarian-farrier team is required to help horses maintain soundness, maximize performance and overcome lamenesses is undeniable. It is a balance of knowledge, skill and an understanding of the other member’s responsibilities, as well as your own. At the early December American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention, the coordination of these efforts was showcased in a podiatry workshop that called on veterinarians and farriers to discuss the management of a variety of equine foot conditions that hoof-care professionals commonly face. Among these subjects were presentations on the veterinary and farriery roles in addressing underrun heels.
This 39-page in-depth eGuide is jam-packed with time-tested innovations and theories from the late equine veterinarian James R. Rooney, one of America’s leading experts on equine lameness and biomechanics. Download this FREE eGuide today!
The first day of lectures and competitions kicked off Wednesday’s 44th annual American Farrier’s Association Convention in Overland Park, Kan. A horse’s biomechanics is incredibly difficult to understand and often there are very different views that are held by individuals.
A number of farriers from around the Midwest participated and competed in the annual Iowa Professional Farriers Association annual clinic and contest at Iowa State University. Birmingham, England, farrier Wayne Preece focused on farriery for correct biomechanical function.
In this episode, Mark Ellis, a Wisconsin farrier who learned the ropes with Renchin, recalls Red’s relationships with area veterinarians, his legacy and the second career as American Farriers Journal’s technical editor.
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