For centuries, farriery has been a craft relying merely on tradition, personal experience and empirical evidence (Eliashar, 2007). However, over the last decades, an increasing number of studies have provided insight in the biomechanics of the hoof, and evidence-based data on the effect of specific trimming and shoeing techniques is gradually becoming available. It is tempting to speculate that the technological evolution may ultimately provide the equine clinician and farrier with objective and quantitative tools to employ routinely in the assessment of equine locomotion and farriery techniques (Roepstorff, 2012). This presentation reviews the current biomechanical concepts that are important for evidence-based application of trimming and shoeing techniques in the treatment of lameness. The main issues discussed are hoof balance, shock absorption, grip versus sliding of the hoof, the pressure distribution within the hoof, and hoof breakover. Moreover, possible effects on the hoof mechanism have to be considered. Ideally, these issues should be considered in the prevention of injury rather than in the treatment of established pathology.
Abstract
Current concepts on biomechanical basics of therapeutic farriery - available Sept 10 - 24 only
