Difference in hoof conformation between shod and barefoot-managed hooves

Abstract

Reasons for performing the study: Hoof conformation is linked to biomechanics of the hoof and injury occurrence. There is no scientific data if conformation differs between shod and barefoot-managed hooves. Objectives: To investigate if and how shod and barefoot hooves differ in conformation. Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Standardised lateral, dorsopalmar/dorsoplantar and solar photographs of 98 shod and 69 barefoot-managed hooves were included. Thirty-six of the barefoot horses were farrier-managed, 33 were podiatrist-managed. Length and angular measurements produced nine conformation parameters; dorsopalmar/plantar balance, solar symmetry, toe angle, heel angle, heel/toe angle difference, heel width, splaying index, flaring index and frog size. Results: Barefoot hooves showed significantly fewer underrun heels, steeper heel angles, wider heels, increased splaying, increased flaring and larger frog size compared to hooves of shod horses. Solar symmetry showed a significant difference in front hooves but not hind hooves (P=0.038, P=0.104) and toe angle was not significantly different (P=0.368, P=0.425). There was no significant difference in the conformation of barefoot farrier and podiatrist-managed front hooves, however there was a significant difference in the hind hooves: farrier-managed hooves had longer frogs and shorter toes, compared to podiatrist-managed hooves. Conclusions: The significant differences in hoof conformation found should be considered when managing the individual horse, since hoof conformation affects loading of the internal structure of the hoof and hence influences aetiopathogenesis of hoof pathology.

Difference in radiographic findings and gait analysis between horses that are freshly shod and at the end of their shoeing period

“…Having a horse shod requires professional attention on a regular basis. The morphological principles behind a shod and a barefoot hoof are also drastically different (De Klerk 2021). Lesniak et al suggested horses should be shod at least every six weeks (Lesniak et al 2019), others acknowledge eight weeks to still be acceptable (Moleman et al 2006).…”