WHEN considering lameness, a horse’s foot is susceptible to an array of problems, from abscesses to laminitis, I asked Esther what foot issues she comes across most frequently:

“One of the most common problems I see is the combination of long toes and low under-run heels. Infrequent trimming, too small a shoe size and leaving the shoes on for too long, all have huge ramifications for the horse’s biomechanics because of the altered break over point. Increasing tension in the deep digital flexor tendons and navicular ligaments may increase the likelihood of navicular syndrome and heel pain. Mediolateral imbalance is also another major issue I see; this often contributes to splints and sidebone due to the pressures exerted through the limb.”

According to Esther, horses should be trimmed every four to six weeks, and a regular plan based on the individual horse’s needs should be decided in discussion with a farrier:

“I believe that regular attention by a qualified farrier is the most important aspects to hoof care in your horse, especially if you are trying to address a problem.”

In terms of the impact the natural conformation of a horse can have on soundness, Esther remarks: “Poor conformation may be compensated for, but never corrected in the adult horse. A lot of issues can be corrected in a young horse when under a year old, therefore regular and early assessment of foals is essential.”

Time off

During time off, a horse’s feet need to be considered just as carefully as when in work as Esther explains: “If your horse has good feet, your paddocks are in good condition, and your horse doesn’t have any balance issues, then take the shoes off during a break.

“However, if you have a horse with a problem, you could risk the hoof wall breaking and abnormal wear when that horse is barefoot, setting you back months of progress.”

Esther believes a balanced hoof is the foundation to soundness, however, given the intricacy of its structure, there is much to be considered in terms of the wellbeing of the foot.

“The horse’s foot is a complex system which surrounds, supports and protects the lower limb of the horse. It has three main mechanical roles: shock absorption when the foot lands on the ground surface, support and grip when the limb is bearing weight, and propulsion when it leaves the ground. The horn-based hoof capsule encases three bones, multiple ligaments and tendons, two synovial structures, a digital cushion, cartilages of the foot, blood vessels and nerves.”

Esther admits that lameness is a widespread occurrence and believes a more symbiotic relationship between vets and farriers would go a long way to solve some of the ongoing issues – and not just in the feet:

“Research has demonstrated links between conformation and other pathologies such as sacroiliac pain, gluteal pain, stifle and hock issues. Vets, physiotherapists and chiropractors are often battling with limb and upper body musculoskeletal issues caused by poor hoof conformation and balance. Yet, farriers are often battling with forces from above affecting the hoof shape and conformation. The team must work together in a whole horse approach to get a solution.”

Hoof balance

Esther believes that our understanding of hoof balance has greatly improved and that advances are being made.

“The myofascial tissues cover the entire musculoskeletal system connecting every muscle and tendon in the body therefore, any hoof imbalance can have wide-reaching effects to the whole locomotor system. There is an intricate relationship between the forces exerted on feet and the whole body, highlighting the need for the farrier to appreciate the effect they have on the limbs and upper body. Vice versa for the veterinary surgeons, physiotherapists and chiropractors in understanding how limb and upper body pathologies affect the hoof. We must view the horse as a single entity, treating the whole horse and not the symptom.”

Feeding can make the difference to soundness, too, the impact of poor nutrition can be evidenced in the development of the hoof wall.

When I ask Esther if she believes nutrition has a direct correlation to hoof health, she explains: “Nutrition has a huge impact on feet and soundness. Changes in hoof growth and quality can take three to six months to become apparent. Poor hoof condition can lead to problems such as splitting of the hoof and losing shoes, as well as foot pain and lameness. Remember that what you feed the horse during the summer months, affects the hoof quality in winter months.”

Genetic influence

Genetic influence can also affect horses, but according to Esther, that’s a rarity, she observes.

“Genetic problems are rare; however, one relevant to us geographically is Hoof Wall Separation Syndrome (HWSS) an inherited condition seen in Connemara ponies and typified by the dorsal hoof wall splitting away from underlying structures. The breed society and breeders must be commended for how they are tackling the issue through testing and sensible breeding choices.”

In the day-to-day care of our horses’ hooves, it would appear that some of the most innocent things can cause the most significant problems.

“Road work is hard on the equine hoof as it causes around 20 times more concussive force than working on grass or artificial surfaces. Road work is viewed as a good basis for increasing strength and general fitness; however, this is often not the case. Road work for a few minutes a day will improve bone strength; however, it does contribute to cartilage and joint deterioration. I would urge you to stick to five minutes per day maximum of road work.”

Esther concludes with a warning for vigilance in the field.

“Some of the most dramatic hoof injuries I have seen are due to loose or pulled shoes in the field. I remember as a young vet seeing a pony who had managed to impale his foot on an old shoe. If your horse loses a shoe in a field, it’s always advisable to check the field for the missing shoe!”

Esther Skelly-Smith is an equine vet, internationally accredited veterinary chiropractor certified in veterinary acupuncture and chronic pain management in horses. She has worked with world-renowned lameness expert Dr Sue Dyson and recently edited the chapter Conditions of the Horse’s Foot for Dr. Sue Deveraux’s book The Veterinary Care of The Horse.

Esther set up Shanaghan Veterinary Services in 2017, providing Ireland’s first veterinary referral service dedicated to an integrated approach to equine veterinary treatment. Her unique practice offers numerous services including; preliminary lameness evaluation, veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic.