Comparison of Gait Characteristics for Horses Without Shoes, with Steel Shoes, and with Aluminum Shoes
Authors: Katherine Gottleib, Lauren Trager-Burns, Amy Santonastaso, S. Bogers, S. Werre, Travis Burns, Christopher R Byron
Journal: Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI
Summary
Researchers used motion-capture analysis and accelerometry to examine how three shoeing conditions (barefoot, steel shoes, and aluminium shoes) affected trotting mechanics in horses on both asphalt and deformable surfaces, measuring parameters including stride symmetry, hoof deviation, stride length, and hoof trajectory throughout the gait cycle. Whilst no differences emerged between conditions for gait symmetry, hoof deviation, or temporal stride phases—findings that may surprise those attributing perceived gait differences to shoeing—aluminium shoes produced significantly lower hoof height during early swing phase on both surfaces, and higher hoof arc peaks in late swing phase specifically on soft footing. These kinematic distinctions between aluminium and steel shoes are subtle enough to escape detection by traditional subjective assessment, raising an important question: whether these measured hoof trajectory differences account for the aesthetic preferences some competitors report, or whether such preferences reflect expectation bias rather than genuine biomechanical change. For farriers and equine professionals advising on material selection, the data suggest shoe type influences the trajectory of movement but not fundamental gait symmetry or stride mechanics, meaning shoeing choices should be guided by functional requirements (protection, traction, durability) rather than claims of gait enhancement—though further research into sport-specific demands and subjective perception remains warranted.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Shoe material (aluminum vs. steel) produces measurable but subtle changes in hoof flight arc that may or may not correlate with visible gait aesthetics—don't assume lighter shoes automatically create the flashier movement competitors perceive
- •Gait mechanics like stride length, symmetry, and timing remain unaffected by aluminum versus steel shoes, so choice between these materials should focus on durability, weight, and aesthetic preferences rather than functional gait improvements
- •Further research is needed to determine whether the measured hoof arc differences actually translate to meaningful visual or performance benefits
Key Findings
- •Aluminum shoes produced significantly lower hoof height during early swing phase compared to steel shoes on both asphalt and soft footing
- •Aluminum shoes resulted in significantly higher hoof arc height during late swing phase compared to steel shoes on soft footing only
- •No significant differences detected between shoeing conditions for gait symmetry, hoof deviation, stride length, or stride phase times