SOUNDNESS refers to the serviceability of the horse. An unsound horse has an abnormal gait or stance due to pain, while being unable to correctly perform. It is one of the most expensive health problems a horse may suffer, so safeguarding is key.

Correct warm-up and varied exercise coupled with post work cold therapy can mitigate subclinical symptoms before becoming an issue. ‘One shoe fits all’ no longer applies, today choosing the correct set-up is crucial in staying ahead of the field. Conformation can predispose a horse to injury and pathologies. For example the hock:

  • This joint has a large range of movement, flexing to allow the horse bring the limb under the body, also extending to push off. Lateral movement is limited in this complex joint consisting of half a dozen bones by extremely strong ligaments.
  • Variations in hock conformation partnered with the demands of competition can result in issues developing. Base narrow hind limbs will increase lateral pressure on the hock. This is exasperated on a surface, as the outside of the hind hoof will descend into the surface, causing the hock to fall outside of the supporting lower leg.
  • Another variation is sickle hocks. Observed statically from the side, this obtuse angled joint has a decreased angle than is normally seen. The decrease in angle varies case by case. A slight decrease often has no predisposition to acquired conditions and some might say it increases the horses ability to collect, however a large decease in angle will cause excessive strain on the planter aspect (back) of the hock. Sickle hocks will increase heel loading on hind hooves, the overload may cause a horse to suffer heel pain due to the pedal bone adopting a negative planter angle. Often sickle hocks are called ‘curby conformation’.

    • When accessing a horse it’s important not to mistake posture for conformation.

    Acquired posture may give a sickle hock appearance. A horse with shoulder or back pain can stand cramped together where the hind limbs are under the body giving the typical sickle hock stance. This posture will also increase loading on the heels of the hind hooves causing lower limb issues.

    Modern farriery has a great deal of options when it comes to dealing with reduced soundness, generally when rehabilitating an acquired injury, one structure is supported and another is loaded. For example a horse with an injury to the lateral aspect of a limb, is fitted with an asymmetrical shoe to reduce dependency of the affected side of the limb while increasing the load on the medial side of the limb.

    BACTERIA

    Hoof bacteria is a major enemy when improving soundness, an unsound horse will overload one aspect of the hoof capsule. A horse with an issue on the medial aspect of a limb has compromised growth on the outside heel of the foot due to overloading, usually an opportunistic infection called white line disease invades.

    This is a symbiotic partnership consisting of anaerobic fungi and bacteria that digest the hoof horn. The infection erodes the horn faster than the horse can regrow it. This creates complications when dealing with and preventing lameness. Horse owners must employ due diligence when caring for their horses to limit the effects of bacteria.

    With the ever increasing options available it is paramount there is an accurate diagnosis, as misdiagnosed shoeing prescription may cause irreversible damage to the horse. Veterinarians have access to advanced diagnostic equipment, partnered with experienced horsemanship. An holistic approach between veterinary, management, equine therapy and farriery employing tailored treatments, leads to the most favourable outcome possible. Farriery provides an important supportive role in rehabilitating an injury.

    Progressive Farriery is employing prophylactic measures (preventive) to maintain soundness in the equine athlete. Aluminium and polymer are growing in popularity. Both offer greater shock absorbency in comparison to traditional steel shoes. The use of aluminium allows shoes with more material without adding weight. While polymer allows the foot to flex unlike steel. This opens up new options when it comes to preventing and rehabilitating our four legged friends.