Effect of shoeing conditions on hoof dimensions in Icelandic and Warmblood horses

Determination of Positional Parameters of the Distal Phalanx Within the Hoof Capsule in Sound Colombian Paso Horses

The economic relevance, populational importance and expansion of the Colombian Paso Horse to other latitudes calls for a growth in studies based on this type of horse. Lack of written reports about the relationship of the distal phalanx (DP) within the hoof in this gaited horse makes it important to establish a baseline to determine hoof health and possible alterations. The purpose of this study was to report, for the first time, the positional parameters of the distal phalanx, and its relationship within the hoof in sound Colombian Paso Horses. A latero-medial radiographic image of each digit was taken in 45 horses between 3 and 5 years old, distributed into groups according to the gaits determined by FEDEQUINAS. Three angles and three distances were measured. The dorsal wall thickness (W-T) was measured proximally and distally, and the sole depth (P-S) was measured dorsally and palmarly/plantarly. As expected, these distances showed moderate to strong positive correlations in front (W-Tp/W-Td r = 0.53; P-Sd/P-Sp r = 0.72) and hind feet (W-Tp/W-Td r = 0.61; P-Sd/P-Sp r = 0.71). The palmar/plantar angle of the distal phalanx (PA) and sole depth (P-S) showed that the distal phalanx of the hind feet is flatter compared to the front. The results of this study show differences in the positional parameters of distal phalanx compared to other breeds of horses and provides information for veterinarians and farriers working with Colombian Paso Horses.

Hoof conformation in Icelandic competition horses and its interrelationship with hoof pathologies and tölt performance

In order to improve the four-beat-rhythm and forelimb action of the tölt in Icelandic horses (ICE), special shoeing techniques are applied particularly in the front hooves by increasing hoof length and height, or by adding weight to the distal limbs. Although regulations limit dorsal hoof wall length (L_DHW) in competition ICE, their shoeing often deviates from a biomechanically optimal distal limb conformation. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively describe current shoeing practices of ICE in competition. Moreover, the influence of L_DHW on the occurrence of deviations from a standard hoof conformation, as well as on tölt performance was investigated. At four European competition sites, hoof dimensions of 133 randomly selected ICE were measured manually, and limb conformation and hoof balance were described. Dorsopalmar/-plantar and lateromedial radiographs of the left front and hind hooves were taken of each horse. Various parameters related to hoof dimensions and balance were measured on radiographs using the Metron-Hoof-Pro software. Flares of the dorsal hoof wall had the highest prevalence of all investigated hoof deformities. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that longer L_DHW was associated with the occurrence of toe flares (P = 0.045), a broken hoof pastern axis (P = 0.003), and asymmetry of the quarter wall heights (P = 0.015). However, horses with a longer L_DHW achieved higher scores in competition. In spite of its positive effect on tölt performance, a long L_DHW is not recommendable as it may be associated with a higher prevalence of certain hoof deformities.