Investigation of the vertical hoof force distribution in the equine forelimb with an instrumented horseboot.
Authors: Barrey
Journal: Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
Summary
# Editorial Summary Understanding how forces distribute across the hoof during movement is fundamental to farriery, veterinary orthopaedics and performance assessment, yet detailed biomechanical data has been limited. Barrey used an instrumented measuring boot fitted with force sensors at four distinct locations on the hoof to record vertical loading patterns in 20 clinically sound horses during walk and trot on a hard surface, with computer analysis tracking force distribution and movement of the resultant force vector throughout the stance phase. Loading proved decidedly non-uniform across the hoof capsule: the caudal structures—heels and quarters—experienced significantly greater vertical forces than cranial regions, particularly immediately following ground impact, whilst the resultant force migrated cranially as the stance phase progressed. These findings suggest the caudal hoof plays a dual mechanical role in shock absorption and weight-bearing support, which has clear implications for shoe placement, clenching strategies and therapeutic shoeing decisions when addressing the common pathologies observed in these high-load areas. Further investigation into how this loading pattern relates to specific caudal foot conditions would help refine evidence-based farriery and rehabilitation protocols.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Farriery interventions should prioritize heel and quarter integrity, as these structures bear disproportionate load and are vulnerable to pathology
- •Understanding normal force distribution provides baseline data for identifying abnormal loading patterns in lame or pathological feet
- •The high caudal loading during impact suggests that heel support and shock absorption features in shoeing/boots deserve clinical attention for injury prevention
Key Findings
- •Vertical hoof force distribution is non-uniform across the hoof surface during walk and trot
- •Caudal hoof regions (heels and quarters) experience greater mechanical loading than cranial regions, particularly at foot impact
- •The resultant force vector moves in a cranial direction during the stance phase
- •Heels and quarters appear to play a prominent role in concussion dampening and bodyweight support