The medial hoof distorts in response to the forces that constantly load onto it from the body above and from the ground below, but in a laterally offset hoof capsule, distortion can be exaggerated.

In this presentation, Lincoln, England, farrier Mark Trussler shares the findings from his Fellowship research with the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He explores the use of individual shoeing plans for five horses with laterally offset hoof capsules over a 12-month period.

It was hoped stabilization of landing and loading during movement would redistribute force more evenly throughout the entire hoof capsule reducing medial hoof distortion and allowing the medial hoof to develop and strengthen.