The influence of equine limb conformation on the biomechanical responses of the hoof: An in vivo and finite element study.
Authors: Akbari Shahkhosravi, C R Bellenzani, M S Davies, Komeili
Journal: Journal of biomechanics
Summary
# Editorial Summary Abnormal limb conformation, particularly toe-in deviation, alters how forces distribute across the hoof during movement, yet the underlying biomechanical mechanisms have remained poorly understood. Akbari Shahkhosravi and colleagues combined in vivo strain measurements from horses with normal and toe-in conformations alongside finite element modelling of CT-scanned forelimbs to investigate whether differences in the centre of pressure (COP) pathway beneath the hoof explain the altered deformation patterns and kinematics observed clinically. Their findings revealed that toe-in hooves experienced significantly lower strain on the medial toe wall compared to normal hooves, whilst exhibiting plaiting (inward crossing of the limbs) rather than straight-line movement; crucially, the finite element model successfully replicated both the measured strain distributions and abnormal gait patterns when different COP paths were applied, confirming that pressure distribution rather than conformation alone drives these biomechanical changes. These results have direct implications for how we interpret hoof-related lameness in conformationally abnormal horses, suggesting that interventions targeting pressure redistribution—such as farriery adjustments to modify breakover point or landing mechanics—may be more effective than addressing conformation itself. Understanding the specific load pathways in individual horses' hooves could refine diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies, particularly where subtle conformational variations predispose to soft tissue or skeletal injuries.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Toe-in conformation alters loading patterns and hoof deformation in predictable ways; farriers should expect reduced medial strain and abnormal movement patterns that may influence trimming and shoeing strategies
- •The plaiting gait associated with toe-in hooves reflects underlying biomechanical changes driven by altered pressure distribution, not just cosmetic movement differences
- •Understanding the center of pressure pathway under the hoof provides a mechanistic basis for targeted interventions to address conformational issues
Key Findings
- •Toe-in hooves showed significantly lower minimum principal strain at the medial toe aspect compared to normal hooves
- •Toe-in conformation produced a distinct plaiting movement pattern during stride that differed from normal hoof kinematics
- •Center of pressure (COP) path differences beneath the hoof explain the biomechanical differences between toe-in and normal conformations
- •Finite element modeling successfully replicated in vivo strain distributions and kinematic patterns across different hoof conformations