The effect of routine hoof trimming on midstance regional hoof kinetics at walk

Abstract

There is a lack of objective and quality evidence-based research on the effect of trimming on hoof loading at different regions of the hoof. Our objective was to measure and compare force (F), contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP) and peak contact pressure (PCP) of the dorsal vs palmar and medial vs lateral regions of the forehooves. Nine sound equine athletes were walked across a calibrated pressure plate before and after routine hoof trimming. The F, CA, CP and PCP in medial, lateral, dorsal and palmar regions were examined pre- and post-trimming, P≤0.05 was considered significant. Dorsal CP and PCP significantly increased post-trimming (P=0.039 and P=0.019, respectively). Medial F increased about 25% after trimming, but not significantly (P=0.129). These data confirm the impact of individual hoof trimming on certain aspects of the hoof midstance biomechanics.