Characteristics of Hoof Landing in Sound Horses and the Influence of Trimming and Shoeing Examined With Hoof-Mounted Inertial Sensors.
Authors: Hagen Jenny, Brouwer Joris, Lux Stefan, Weiske Felix, Jung Franziska Theresa
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers used accelerometer-based sensors mounted on the dorsal hoof wall to measure how ten sound horses landed their front feet under various conditions—barefoot, trimmed, and fitted with different shoes and modifications—capturing landing duration, initial contact location, and landing angle during straight-line trotting on firm ground. Steel shoes were the only intervention to produce clinically measurable changes, significantly prolonging landing duration and reinforcing each horse's individual contact pattern, likely due to increased weight and altered friction properties; rolled-toe shoes extended landing time further compared to plain steel shoes, whilst lateral weights, wedges, egg bar shoes, and lateral extensions had no significant effect on landing mechanics. These findings suggest that the landing characteristics of sound horses are relatively resistant to manipulation through conventional farriery techniques, challenging the common assumption amongst practitioners that trimming adjustments and shoeing choices substantially alter hoof-ground interaction patterns. The practical implication is that whilst steel shoes do measurably affect landing behaviour on hard surfaces, most other modifications tested offer no biomechanical advantage in modifying landing dynamics, meaning farriery decisions should be based more on factors such as wear, comfort, and individual presentation rather than relying on landing pattern modification as a therapeutic mechanism.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Steel shoeing measurably alters landing mechanics by increasing landing duration; consider this when selecting shoes for performance or therapeutic purposes
- •Common trimming practices and most shoe modifications have minimal impact on hoof landing patterns in sound horses—focus efforts on clinically indicated problems rather than routine modifications
- •Rolled toe shoes may be beneficial when prolonged landing duration is desired (e.g., reducing impact), but standard shoes and barefoot states are biomechanically similar
Key Findings
- •Steel shoes increased landing duration compared to barefoot conditions and enhanced individual initial contact location in trot
- •Rolled toe shoes caused longer landing duration than plain shoes
- •Trimming, lateral weights, medial wedges, egg bar shoes, and lateral extension shoes did not significantly influence landing timing or spatial variables
- •Steel shoes change sliding properties and increase weight, reinforcing individual initial contact location on firm ground