Training Behaviour Stable
We need to dare to think outside the box when we train with trailers
Line Hummel
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The hoofs have significant meaning when it comes to the wellbeing of a horse. If they are not taken care of properly it can lead to lameness and a wide range of health problems. Therefore, the farrier of course is indispensable. But how often does your horse need shoeing? Scientists and other professionals continue to debate this an English research study has found some interesting answers.
26 horses were involved in the study. To create even more valid results all horses were placed at the same location at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, UK. They all participated in the same program before and during the tests. The horses had 45 minutes of daily exercise and a weekly day off. None of the horses wore custom made shoes and all horses were healthy.
During the trial they were all shoed every sixth week. All hoofs were measured from different angles both lateral (outside measurements) and dorsal (front of the hoofs). Hereafter, the positions of legs and pressure was calculated after shoeing.
You may also like to read: Barefoot horses: Should you shoe your horse or go unshod?
Before trimming the hoofs, scientists discovered that the dorsal angle was smaller. This can lead to more pressure on the heel because the weight of the horse is placed more at the back.
Increased pressure on the back of the hoof also creates a higher risk of ligament injuries. After trimming the hoofs it was clear that the position was more vertical and this affected the rest of the hoof and the leg positively.
During this experiment scientist concluded that horses after shoeing had a remarkable reduced ligament-pressure. The result was that the longest period a horse could wait in between shoeing or trimming was 4-6 weeks. By following this time schedule the risk of injuries would be reduced, according to the study.
The research indicates that the longer the period is between shoeing or trimming the more the weight distribution changes in the hoofs. This weight can cause injuries. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask a farrier for advice on how long a period your particular horse should go between trimming or shoeing. This way you avoid a congestion of tendons and joints.
Some hoofs grow faster than others so the better the farrier knows your horse the more precise counselling he or she can provide.
