The Equine Education Hub

Course curriculum

Studies have found that the unevenness in hooves could be attributed to the grazing habits of foals producing laterality. The limb left underneath the horse will promote a tighter deep digital flexor tendon, while the other one set to the front may promote a looser tendon. A loose DDFT will create a weak suspension of the coffin bone in the back part of the foot, which will create abnormal loading forces on the heels and the digital cushion. The heels will start to crush and fold inwards (and forward) and growth will be seriously compromised, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to control. The importance of adequate foot balance and proper mechanics has been widely described as essential to optimizing health and performance in horses. Ideal balance in terms of latero-medial symmetry, dorso-palmar 50:50 split between support and leverage around the center of rotation, and distal limb bony column alignment are the most commonly accepted and sought-after parameters in hoof care. The palmar angle or PA, makes reference to the relationship between the solar surface of the pedal bone and the ground or weight-bearing surface. Many authors have also described a positive PA ranging all the way from 2-8 degrees as ideal for achieving proper bony column alignment, which is considered by many as the epitome of distal limb health. Ramon’s lecture at IFRS 2022 will give you answers on how to manage hoof impabalnce with a rocker shoe. This can’t be missed!