Barefoot hooves have greater motion than those with shoes

The second set of results from a pilot study into equine movement have now been released

- ELEANOR JONES

UNSHOD hooves show increased widening and contraction, and so a greater range of motion, than those with shoes, a study has found.

Results from research into the impact of shoeing on equine movement has been released, showing that the internal movement of the hoof is affected.

Last year H&H reported on the project that involved top showjumper Peder Fredricson, vet Staffan Lidbeck and professor Lars Roepstorff from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and was sponsored by insurer Agria.

The finding announced then was that when unshod, the movement in the hoof is “freer and larger”, widening over the heels, and contraction of heels during the breakover.

HOOF EXPANSION

IT has now been revealed that barefoot hooves showed 50% more expansion across the quarters, increased widening and contraction during the breakover, and increased contraction just before the hoof hits the ground. The inner and outer quarters have more vertical mobility in relation to each other.