Effects of barefoot trimming on hoof morphology
Authors: Clayton HM, Gray S, Kaiser LJ, Bowker RM
Journal: Australian Veterinary Journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Effects of barefoot trimming on hoof morphology Clayton *et al.* investigated how sustained barefoot trimming protocols alter hoof conformation over time, distinguishing between the immediate structural changes imposed by the trim itself and the adaptive responses that occur during subsequent hoof growth cycles. Seven horses underwent six-weekly barefoot trims—involving toe bevelling, heel lowering, peripheral wall rounding, and frog engagement—with hoof morphology assessed photographically and radiographically at baseline, four months, and sixteen months. The initial trimming phase (0–4 months) produced marked shortening of toe, heel and walls alongside increased angulation, whilst the maintenance phase (4–16 months) yielded progressive palmar/plantar heel migration, increased support length, and notably improved heel and solar angles of the distal phalanx. These findings carry significant implications for treating under-run heels and negative solar plane angulation: the elevation of P3's solar angle through weight-bearing redistribution to the frog and bars suggests that barefoot trimming principles can produce genuine structural remodelling rather than merely cosmetic changes, though practitioners should recognise that meaningful adaptive effects require at least 16 months of consistent application.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Barefoot trimming with heel lowering and toe bevelling can structurally improve under-run heels and negative P3 angles over 4-16 months of consistent application
- •Allow a 4-month adaptation period to establish baseline barefoot hoof shape before expecting therapeutic morphological changes
- •Engaging the frog and bars in weight-bearing is a key mechanism for achieving heel elevation and improved distal phalanx angulation
Key Findings
- •Barefoot trimming resulted in palmar/plantar heel migration with increased heel angle and solar angle of P3 over 16 months
- •Toe bevelling and frog/bar engagement in weight-bearing elevated heel angle and solar angle of P3
- •Initial trim establishment (0-4 months) involved significant toe, heel and wall shortening with increased angulation at toe and walls
- •Adaptive morphological changes during maintenance trimming (4-16 months) showed continued heel elevation and increased support length