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 Horseshoe Modifications Change Pressure Distribution at the Hoof’s Weight-Bearing Surface
Research suggests compromises to counteract unintended side effects of therapeutic applications
Pictured Above: Mechanical stress causes bone remodeling of the distal phalanx (top photos left to right). Mechanical stress also causes sole bruises, bar cracks and white line separation (bottom left), hoof wall cracks (bottom center) and severe bone loss of the distal phalanx (bottom right) due to direct pressure affecting this bone in a case of untreated chronic laminitis.
Farrier Takeaways
- Shoe modifications are often necessary to relieve diseased regions of the hoof to support healing. However, pressure distribution changes can cause unintended side effects with the hoof.
- If heel wedges become necessary, the use of long, soft wedge pads combined with frog support minimizes the side effects and enables a better pressure distribution.
- The use of pads and packing material can reduce some side effects of shoe modifications and avoid pressure peaks.
Today’s veterinarians and farriers are confronted with a huge variety of orthopedic horseshoes that either have been developed over long periods or are modernly fashioned. The application of orthopedic horseshoes traditionally has been a therapeutic option to treat certain hoof disorders and other causes of lameness, so that knowledge about their effects on the hoof remains important.
Half of the lamenesses originating from disorders of the equine distal limb are related to diseases or injuries affecting the hoof. To relieve diseased regions of the hoof, modifications of standard horseshoes become necessary to support healing (e.g. quarter cracks) or to enable comfortable walking even if progress of structural destructions has to be expected (e.g. podotrochlosis).
In addition, several…
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
A Cost-Effective Way to Fight Equine Hoof Diseases
What are the 4 Lengths of Horses’ Feet?
Does New Labor Rule Alter Your Multi-Farrier Practice?
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.