Correlational Characteristics of Hoof Conformation and Midstance Kinetics at Walk

Variations in hoof conformation may alter stress distribution, thus predisposing horses to pathologies and lameness; however, experimental studies are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the correlation between midstance hoof kinetics at the walk and hoof conformation in horses. Nine clinically sound, unshod horses were walked over a pressure plate, and force (F), contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP), and peak contact pressure (PCP) were recorded at the dorsal, palmar, medial, and lateral regions, as well as for the whole hoof. By using digital radiography and digital pictures, 55 variables of internal and external hoof shape and dimensions of the hoof were measured. Correlations between kinetic and anatomical measurements were investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient. P-values ≤ 0.05 and r values ≥ 0.5 were considered. Several anatomical variables showed correlations with biomechanical variables. Toe angle was negatively correlated with CA (r = -0.72). Several heel height measurements were negatively correlated with dorsal F (-0.59 ≤ r ≤ -0.50), suggesting a trend. Measurements of the dorsal hoof wall thickness and length/width of the distal phalanx showed correlations with F and CP (0.5 ≤ r ≤ 0.71). Our study was focused on midstance biomechanics and at the walk; further investigation on other gaits and parts of the stance phases is warranted. Patterns of correlations between internal structural arrangement and hoof kinetic parameters encourage more research and should be considered by veterinarian and farriers for routine and therapeutic trimming/shoeing.