Hoof growth between two shoeing sessions leads to a substantial increase of the moment about the distal, but not the proximal, interphalangeal joint.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is little insight into the effects of routine farriery on the internal structures of the distal limb in sound horses.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the effect of change in hoof conformation during a shoeing interval on the moments about the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ, DIPJ) and to determine whether and how the horse compensates for this change in hoof conformation.

METHODS: Both front feet of 9 sound Warmblood horses were measured while standing on a pressure-force measuring system and radiographed in a lateromedial direction shortly after shoeing and 8 weeks later. From these data, ground reaction forces (GRF) and lever arms were measured in order to calculate joint moments.

RESULTS: After 8 weeks, the moment about the PIPJ did not increase significantly, but the moment about the DIPJ did so, indicating a compensatory mechanism for a change in hoof conformation in the DIPJ.

CONCLUSIONS: Standing horses compensate for hoof conformation change during an 8-week shoeing interval, which leads to increased DIPJ extension and consequently an increased loading of the deep digital flexor tendon.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study quantifies the effect of a shoeing interval on the internal structures of the foot and helps to determine an appropriate shoeing interval for individual horses in which the hoof with the lowest hoof angle is the best indicator. The exact determination of an optimal individual shoeing interval requires further study.