Use of a 3D dynamometric horseshoe to assess the effects of an all-weather waxed track and a crushed sand track at high speed trot: preliminary study.
Authors: Robin D, Chateau H, Pacquet L, Falala S, Valette J P, Pourcelot P, Ravary B, Denoix J M, Crevier-Denoix N
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Understanding how different track surfaces influence loading patterns is crucial for injury prevention, yet traditional force plate technology cannot capture hoof dynamics during fast work across varied terrain. Robin and colleagues employed a novel 3D dynamometric horseshoe fitted with four triaxial piezoelectric sensors to measure ground reaction forces in real time, enabling direct comparison between an all-weather waxed surface and crushed sand whilst trotting at high speed—conditions impossible to assess using conventional laboratory equipment. The preliminary data revealed measurable differences in force distribution and magnitude between the two surfaces, providing objective evidence of how track composition affects the forces transmitted through the hoof and into the limb. These findings have important implications for facility management and injury risk mitigation, as practitioners can now correlate specific surface characteristics with the biomechanical loading experienced by competition and training horses. The development of this dynamometric horseshoe technology opens new avenues for evidence-based recommendations regarding track maintenance and selection, bridging the gap between controlled laboratory studies and field-based assessment of real-world riding surfaces.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Ground reaction force measurement via instrumented horseshoes offers a practical alternative to force plates for evaluating track surface impacts on horses during fast work
- •Understanding how different track surfaces affect hoof loading patterns may help identify injury risk factors and inform track management decisions
- •This technology enables objective comparison of different racing and training surfaces to optimize conditions for musculoskeletal health
Key Findings
- •A 3D dynamometric horseshoe using 4 triaxial piezoelectric sensors was successfully developed and validated for measuring ground reaction forces
- •The device enables assessment of hoof-ground interaction at high speed trot where force plates are impractical
- •Track surface quality (all-weather waxed vs crushed sand) can be objectively compared using this technology