Differentiation between fore and hind hoof dimensions in the horse (<i>Equus caballus</i>)

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of the study was to define differences between front and hind hooves in dimensions and proportions of the measurements in horses of various breeds. 77 mares four to thirteen years old of four breeds belonging to different origin types were evaluated: Purebred Arabian horses, halfbred Anglo-Arabian horses, primitive Polish Konik horses and Polish Cold-Blooded horses. The dimensions were measured after trimming. Means in particular groups and differences between fore and hind hooves were estimated with the least square analysis of variance performed separately in each breed. In the four breeds studied, the fore and hind hoof dimensions from the lateral view of the hoof capsule have come out to be similar. The toe to heel length ratio approximates 2 : 1 in both hooves. Viewed from the solar surface, the hind hoof is wider at the heel buttress relative to the fore hoof. The greatest difference between the fore and rear hooves occurs in the capsule width, hence while recording this parameter, it should be defined which foot it concerns. The hoof width is the most highly correlated with other dimensions, as well as the correlations between the fore and hind hooves in this parameter are the highest. The hoof capsule width is the most characteristic parameter of the hoof.

Hoof quality of Anglo-Arabian and Haflinger horses

“…Wall thickness of both breeds was similar to values for this parameter found by Stachurska et al . ( 26 ) and Tocci et al . ( 30 ).…”

Frequency of hoof conformation faults and disorders in horses of several breeds

“…A significantly greater percentage of hoof conformation faults and disorders was detected in the front legs as compared with the hind legs, which may be a result of uneven strain on legs due to their different functions and biomechanics of movement. Due to the locations of the center of gravity of the horse and of the head and neck, and the absorption of shocks caused by landing and hitting the ground with a greater vertical velocity, the front legs are subject to more concussion than the hind legs (14)(15)(16)(17)(18). The greater and differently directed forces to which a front leg hoof is exposed in comparison with hind legs not only determine differences in hoof and sole shape (2,18), but can also make horses more prone to developing certain disorders in their front hooves.…”

“…Due to the locations of the center of gravity of the horse and of the head and neck, and the absorption of shocks caused by landing and hitting the ground with a greater vertical velocity, the front legs are subject to more concussion than the hind legs (14)(15)(16)(17)(18). The greater and differently directed forces to which a front leg hoof is exposed in comparison with hind legs not only determine differences in hoof and sole shape (2,18), but can also make horses more prone to developing certain disorders in their front hooves. Leise et al (19) and Wylie et al (20) reported that laminitis was associated more often with front than hind hooves.…”

Optical Fiber Bragg Grating Instrumentation Applied to Horse Gait Detection

“…In this space color, all colors are defined in the H channel. With this, it is only necessary to select the color by the H channel and the saturation and brightness by the S and V channels [29].…”

“…Therefore, in parallel to the collection of FBG signals, videos of the horse moving were recorded with fuzzy logic recognizing colors in the captured images. This identification allows a visual analysis of the mechanical deformation exercised by the animal during it's gait, identifying every member of the horse and inserting colors based on the FBGs signals [29]. This technique can be used in rapid identification of possible health problems.…”