Hoof Balance, Lameness and Posture: An Evidence-Based Equine Hoof Care Case Study
An ongoing case study exploring the relationship between hoof morphology, biomechanics, posture and equine welfare.
By Beccy Smith | Integrative Equine Podiatrist | Holistic Equine
Can improving hoof balance influence lameness, a horse's posture, movement and comfort?
In this ongoing equine hoof care case study, I explore the relationship between hoof morphology, internal phalangeal alignment, posture and movement in a horse with a complicated history of intermittent lameness and unexplained episodes of falling.
Despite extensive veterinary investigations, some important questions remained unanswered. Sidebone had been diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon as a cause of forelimb lameness, but neurological investigations had not established an explanation for the horse's other difficulties.
My assessment identified several significant departures from the hoof morphology parameters I associate with healthier physiological function.
What happened following the initial trimming intervention was particularly interesting. Measurable changes in posture and hoof morphology were documented immediately afterwards, followed by an encouraging report from the owner just four days later suggesting his forelimb lameness was resolved!
But what might explain these changes? Could improving hoof balance influence how the horse loads his limbs and uses his body? And how can we objectively determine whether a hoof-care intervention is improving welfare?
Exclusive to Holistic Equine VIP Members
In this case study, I share my professional assessment, photographic and radiographic evidence, biomechanical interpretation and the reasoning behind the proposed hoof-care options, including barefoot rehabilitation and contemporary therapeutic shoeing.
I also explain the healthy hoof morphology parameters I use to assess hoof-care outcomes, and how these relate to three important welfare parameters: posture, physiology and behaviour.
This is an ongoing case study, with further assessments and follow-up radiographs planned. VIP members will be able to follow the horse's progress and explore whether the initial improvements are sustained over time.
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