American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
How Trimming Methods Influence Equine Gait and Load
Leipzig University study finds that hoof-care techniques should be tailored to the individual horse’s needs
Farrier Takeaways
- When evaluating horses dynamically for trimming, the study finds there is individual variation in the initial hoof-ground contact.
- A forced change of the initial hoof-ground contact can provoke a unilateral shift of load during midstance, which might be harmful for joints and soft tissue.
- Horses with short-term acquired limb deformities distal to the fetlock react faster and easier with a change in landing as a result of a correction trim that improves medial-lateral balance.
The main goals of hoof trimming are to promote the soundness of the hooves and the limbs, support the biomechanical efficiency, and maintain the functionality of the equine foot.1,2 During motion, in particular, it is of importance to optimize forces acting on the hoof to maintain structural integrity and function of the equine toe. However, there is no agreement on how to achieve these goals.
A wide range of trimming methods exists and no other topic is so controversially and emotionally discussed as to how to ideally trim the equine hoof.3,4 This might be related to the fact that very limited scientific studies exist that directly focus on the effect of hoof trimming on the biomechanics of the equine distal limb.
Knowledge is sparse concerning the immediate and long-term effects of different hoof trimming methods on the equine gait pattern and load of the hoof capsule in dynamics. Therefore, this second installment describes relevant findings of a recent study that investigates the influence of different trimming methods on the pressure distribution at…
Premium content is for our Digital-only and Premium subscribers. A Print-only subscription doesn't qualify. Please purchase/upgrade a subscription with the Digital product to get access to all American Farriers Journal content and archives online.
Top Articles
Current Issue
How Understanding Equine Behavior Keeps You Safe
How Equine Handedness Influences Hooves & Conformation
Will the PAST Act Remain a “Sad Little Scrap of Paper?”
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
Farrier Education: Heartland Horseshoeing School
Farriery requires knowledge and skills to provide proper equine hoof care. In this series, sponsored by VICTORY, American Farriers Journal visits Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. In this edition, Chris Gregory discussed his journey to becoming an educator, his focus in teaching farrier students and the state of farrier education.
Events
EMS (IR) and PPID: Diagnosis and Management (Part 1) Webinar
Date: 02/26/24
Location:
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.