Shoeing lameness in the mature horse

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Shoeing Lameness in the Mature Horse Older horses often present with complex lameness that may be partially attributable to shoeing management, yet this connection is frequently overlooked in favour of investigating primary pathology. Brown's 2016 analysis examines the biomechanical and management factors that contribute to soundness issues in mature animals, considering how farriery decisions compound age-related changes in hoof structure, limb mechanics and weight distribution. Key concerns identified include the cumulative effects of chronic shoeing practices, inadequate load-bearing transitions during the stride cycle, and the interplay between shoe design and degenerative joint changes. For practitioners working with ageing populations, the implications are significant: a systematic review of shoeing approach—including breakover placement, shoe weight, and temporal distribution of impact forces—may resolve or substantially improve lameness without requiring additional diagnostics or pharmacological intervention. This work reinforces that farriers and veterinarians must collaborate closely when assessing mature horses, as inappropriate shoeing can either mask underlying pathology or actively generate secondary movement dysfunction that compromises both performance and welfare.

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Key Findings

• •Multiple shoeing-related factors can compromise soundness and performance in older horses
• •Mature horses require consideration of age-related changes in foot biomechanics and structure

Conditions Studied