American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
The horse is in the suspension phase. The left front leg is preparing to hit the ground by being in a “closed pack position.” All Images: Dr. J.J. Thomason
Examining the Isolated Features of Equine Weight Bearing
Gain a basic understanding of the complex stride sequence
Farrier Takeaways
- Primary impact has a lower amplitude of vertical forces because the angular approach to the ground and the horse’s center of mass pushes the hoof forward while having a higher horizontal component of forces to mitigate while coming to a stop.
- Maximal vertical load is around midstance and is negligible at heel lift in comparison.
- A hoof angle change doesn’t alter the magnitude of force coming down the leg; it merely changes the ratio of tension to the various soft tissue units.
Our interpretation of weight bearing and what is happening during that portion of the stride sequence is always up for debate. It is so complex that to gather a basic understanding of these individual features we must identify and discuss what has become the center of attention. Knowledge of physics helps to sort out some of the more complex aspects as it is a factual science. There has been research on many aspects of weight bearing but nothing that is as concrete as 2+2=4. Breakover is a good example. Lots of discussion and often without any consensus on the whole process.
Relax, we aren’t going to discuss that. Instead, it would be more proper to discuss the initial phase of weight bearing, impact, first. Unfortunately, we have to discuss the final milliseconds of the swing phase to appreciate how the leg prepares for impact.
Figure 1 (above) is just that, a picture of a left front leg ready to impact the ground. The horse is in…
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American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Events
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Date: 06/06/26
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