Changes in Hoof Shape During a Seven-Week Period When Horses Were Shod Versus Barefoot

Abstract

This crossover study tested the hypothesis that hoof shape would differ after a seven-week period of horses (n = 11) wearing shoes versus barefoot. An ANOVA appropriate to a crossover design was used to assess the differences in the change in hoof shape over the seven-week period and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results are displayed as the mean difference for horses when shod versus barefoot ± the SEM for the left (L) and right (R) front hooves. Proximal hoof circumference (PHC) decreased when horses were shod and barefoot, but this decrease was greater when horses were shod (L −0.65 ± 0.16 cm; p = 0.0026; R −0.78 ± 0.13 cm; p = 0.0002). Hoof angle increased slightly when horses were barefoot and decreased when they were shod (L −1.70 ± 0.31°; p = 0.0004; R −1.84 ± 0.54°; p = 0.0079). Sole length decreased more when horses were barefoot, but this was only significant for the right fore (R 5.07 ± 1.06 mm; p = 0.0010). Solar circumference increased when horses were barefoot but decreased when shod (L −1.19 ± 0.41 cm; p = 0.0182; R −1.50 ± 0.31 cm; p = 0.0010). This is the first study to show a significantly lower PHC when horses were shod compared to barefoot. The study suggests that shod horses may benefit from a shorter shoeing interval to help mitigate the changes in hoof angle.

Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses

“…In addition, it would be valuable to evaluate how breakover durations might vary between shoeing conditions over the shoeing interval and after training. In this study, all horses’ hooves were trimmed immediately prior to analysis, but hoof shape, including hoof angles and coronary band hoof circumference, has been shown to differ between steel shod and barefoot horses over a seven week shoeing cycle [ 47 ]. Periods of race training can also alter hoof shape, such as hoof angles [ 48 ] and coronary band hoof circumference [ 49 ].…”

Influence of Speed, Ground Surface and Shoeing Condition on Hoof Breakover Duration in Galloping Thoroughbred Racehorses

“…In addition, it would be valuable to evaluate how breakover durations might vary between shoeing conditions over the shoeing interval and after training. In this study, all horses' hooves were trimmed immediately prior to analysis, but hoof shape, including hoof angles and coronary band hoof circumference, has been shown to differ between steel shod and barefoot horses over a seven week shoeing cycle [49]. Periods of race training can also alter hoof shape, such as hoof angles [50] and coronary band hoof circumference [51].…”