Equine hindlimb hoof biomechanics: an evaluation of the effect of routine hoof trimming on force and pressure distribution at midstance
Authors: Faramarzi B., Polniaszek M., Dong F.
Journal: Comparative Exercise Physiology
Summary
# Editorial Summary Routine hoof trimming has measurable effects on how weight is distributed across the hindfoot, with force increasing by 25% and contact pressure rising by 13% on the medial (inner) aspect of the hoof at midstance—findings that suggest even standard farriery practices create significant biomechanical shifts worth monitoring. Using pressure plate analysis in nine clinically sound Arabian horses, Faramarzi and colleagues quantified medio-lateral force, pressure, and contact area distributions before and after routine trimming, identifying that the medial hoof segment bears substantially greater load following a trim. These observations matter because the hindlimb has traditionally received less scrutiny than the forefoot in equine biomechanics research, despite contributing substantially to propulsion and weight-bearing during locomotion. Understanding how routine trimming alters pressure distribution patterns could help farriers and veterinarians refine their approach to preventing hindlimb lameness and associated musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in horses with existing medio-lateral imbalances or those in high-performance work. Further investigation into individual variation and longer-term effects of different trimming protocols would help clarify whether these acute post-trim changes predict clinical outcomes or require compensatory adjustments in subsequent maintenance schedules.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Routine hoof trimming shifts load distribution medially in the hindlimb; farriers should be aware that trimming alters hoof biomechanics and may need to monitor individual horses for loading changes
- •Understanding normal hindlimb hoof loading patterns after trimming provides a baseline to identify abnormal pressure distributions that may precede lameness or injury
- •Consider medio-lateral balance as part of routine trimming assessment, particularly in horses prone to hindlimb issues
Key Findings
- •Routine hoof trimming increased medial hindlimb hoof force by 25% at midstance (P=0.007)
- •Contact pressure at the medial aspect of the hindlimb hoof increased by 13% post-trimming (P=0.032)
- •Routine trimming altered medio-lateral load distribution in clinically sound Arabian horses