Maintaining the Healthy Hoof

Question 1

What is key aspect 1 of hoof balance?

Answer 1

Symmetry: the hoof should appear symmetrical from side to
side with equal weight bearing on both medial and lateral
aspects. Sole thickness should be even m/l.

Question 2

What is ky aspect 2 of hoof balance?

Answer 2

MC/T3 bone shoud be vertical and a line bisecting the long axis of the limb should extend distally to bisect the DIP joint and ground surface of the foot. Dorsopalmar/plantar radiographs

Question 3

What is the key aspect 3 of hoof balance?

Answer 3

Hoof angle: the dorsal wall and heel angles should match and align with the lateral or medial hoof pastern axis

Question 4

Hoof distortions occur when:

Answer 4

• Feet become long
• Lack of stimulation/activity/nutrition
• Angular limb deformities
• Insufficient or inappropriate support from shoes

Question 5

Describe Heel & Bars (severe distortions)?

Answer 5

• Heels end way ahead of the dimple in the back of the frog – close to or beyond the apex of the central cleft.
• Bars have severe arc, are laid over and often have bruising and abscesses – they likely have sharp kinks.

Question 6

Frog distortion occurs when: ?

Answer 6

• Heels are too tall and the back of the frog does not participate in support and weight bearing
• The frog apex is pulled forward with the sole in cases of severe toe distortion

Question 7

TOe Distortions occur when…

Answer 7

*Heel and frog distortions are not addressed
*Shoes are incorrectly positioned or shoeing interval is too long
*Laminitis

Question 8

why hoof balance matters?

Answer 8

• Prevents Lameness/cures
  Lameness
• Enhances Performance:
  efficiency, reduced risk of
  injury/rsi.
• Comfort: improved well being,
  happy horse, happy client.

Question 9

What are some visual landmarks to assess hoof?

Answer 9

Stance and posture
Coronary band angle, displacement, trajectory
Shoe wear
Normal or distorted hoof?
Ratios