Evaluating the Effect of Routine Hoof Trimming on Fore and Hind Hooves Impact Phase Kinetics.
Authors: Faramarzi, Nelson, Dong
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Hoof imbalance is well recognised as a lameness risk factor, yet most kinetic research has concentrated on the midstance phase rather than the initial impact when ground reaction forces are highest and potentially most demanding on hoof structures. Faramarzi and colleagues examined nine Arabian horses using pressure plate analysis to measure force, contact area, contact pressure, and peak contact pressure in the first frame of hoof contact during walk, comparing measurements before and after routine trimming. Whilst trimming of the forehoof generally produced no significant kinetic changes, the right forehooves showed a 56% increase in contact area post-trimming; more notably, left hindhooves demonstrated a 35% increase in force and 18% increase in contact area following trimming. These findings suggest that routine trimming effects on impact phase kinetics are variable across individual hooves and limbs, potentially reflecting differences in pre-trimming conformation or the asymmetrical loading patterns common in ridden horses. The authors appropriately highlight that conclusions remain limited to walk in a single breed; further investigation across gaits, breeds, and performance disciplines would help practitioners understand whether these trimming-induced kinetic shifts correlate with functional outcomes or lameness resolution in their own working populations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Routine hoof trimming produces variable effects on hoof impact kinetics across different hooves; monitor individual responses rather than assuming uniform effects
- •Hind hooves may show more responsive kinetic changes to trimming than front hooves, suggesting potential importance of hindlimb trimming strategy
- •Current findings in Arabians are limited; results from your breed/discipline may differ—use this as baseline evidence only
Key Findings
- •Routine trimming of right forehooves increased contact area by 56% (P = 0.0391) at impact phase
- •Left hindhooves showed 35% increase in force (P = 0.019) and 18% increase in contact area (P = 0.039) after trimming
- •Left forehooves and right hindhooves showed no significant changes in kinetic variables after trimming
- •Impact phase kinetic responses to trimming vary by hoof location and warrant further investigation across breeds and disciplines