A healthy hoof mechanism is crucial for the well-being and performance of your horse. In this guide experience You will learn what the hoof mechanism is, how it works and the important role it plays in your horse's health.
What is the hoof mechanism?
A normal, fully grown, medium-weight warmblood horse weighs around 500 to 600 kg. This load is carried by the four hooves, whereby only two hooves are loaded at the same time when trotting. The speed of movement increases the forces and tensions in the hoof many times over. In addition, uneven ground and the weight of the rider increase the shaping forces. When galloping on hard ground or landing after an obstacle, up to 30,000 N (3000 kg) can be exerted on one hoof for a short time.
A healthy hoof mechanism, whether in shod or barehoofed horses, ensures that the hoof expands when loaded and contracts again when unloaded. These elastic deformations reduce the stress peaks occurring on the hoof below the level of damage. Impacts on the overlying ligaments, tendons and joints are also reduced. If the hoof's ability to expand is impaired, this results in Tensionswhich can lead to cracks in the horn. Impacts when stepping are no longer sufficiently absorbed and can put increased strain on tendons, ligaments and joints.
The hoof mechanism as a blood pump
The influence of the hoof shape
The shape of a horse's hoof has a major influence on the degree of elastic deformation of the horn capsule and therefore also on the hoof mechanism. Flat, wide hooves have a greater hoof mechanism than narrow, steeper hooves.
This is due to the different angles of the hoof walls. In a steeper wall, the hoof-deforming forces are largely transmitted to the ground in a straight line as compressive forces when the hoof is loaded. With flat, wide or slightly concave hoof walls, additional bending stresses and tilting moments occur, which increase the hoof width. Often also unphysiologically high. Both extremes are unfavorable for the horn, hoof and joints.
Hoof shape and feeding posture
If hay or grass is fed from the ground and of course also in the paddock, the horses are always in the same position for hours every day, even from foal age. As the neck is too short in relation to the forelegs when feeding from the ground, the forelegs are set apart. This often leads to the following deviations from the hoof shape that is considered optimal.
- Variant I: A kind of stepping position. The horse puts one leg back and the other far forward. This results in a steep, narrow hoof (the backward-placed hoof) and a flat, wide hoof with lower heels (the forward-placed hoof).
- Variant II: The horse takes front adopt a splits-like posture. This posture leads symmetrically to a flatter outer wall and a steeper inner wall. Foals or young horses usually adopt this splits-like posture, as leg and neck length do not always match perfectly as they grow.
The flatter, wider hoof always has the greater hoof mechanism than a narrower, steeper hoof. A hoof with a steep and a flat wall therefore has two different values of hoof mechanism on the inside and outside. This can be recognized by the different scuff marks on the horseshoe.
Fig. 2: Feeding posture in walking position
These feeding habits can already be observed in foals and are often maintained throughout their lives. Feeding from a higher feeding trough can help somewhat. And, of course, consistent countermeasures by the hoof trimmer. The current hoof shape and function is therefore a product of its genetics, the loads and environmental conditions.
Bare hoof or shoeing
Unshod hooves have a natural hoof mechanism, as the hooves can deform freely under load. This is particularly advantageous on soft and uneven ground where the hoof can grip optimally. Barehoofed horses often have fewer problems with hoof deformation and enjoy better shock absorption thanks to the natural hoof mechanism. Furthermore, it is possible to compensate for minor unevenness in the terrain vertically through the elastic deformation of the hoof. This means that the horse can feel the ground even when treading. A hoof shod with shoes can only do this to a limited extent.
Horseshoes, on the other hand, offer additional protection and stability, especially for horses that run on hard or stony ground. Horseshoes can prevent the hooves from wearing down too much and provide additional stabilization. They are often necessary for horses with certain hoof problems or intensive sporting activities. However, horseshoes can restrict or alter the natural hoof mechanism in shod horses.
The width of the hoof mechanism
The hoof deformation caused by the hoof mechanism increases almost linearly from the middle of the toe to the back of the trachea. This elastic deformation of the hoof amounts to several millimeters during loading and unloading. It is not possible to give an exact figure here. It basically depends on the weight of the horse, the terrain, the hoof shape, the position and even the horn moisture and temperature. Front and hind hooves also differ greatly. In general, bare hooves do not always have a larger hoof mechanism than shod horses.
As an example: A barehoof horse ridden on a tarred road has a smaller hoof mechanism on the front hooves than the same horse shod with shoes (with 1 toe cap). This is because the hoof slips more easily on the bare shoe than on the rough tarred surface. The hoof nails in the horn wall interfere much less than is generally assumed.
Fig. 3: Wear of the horseshoe due to the hoof mechanism
Tips for a good hoof mechanism
A well-functioning hoof mechanism makes a significant contribution to your horse's health and performance. Pay attention to regular hoof care, suitable husbandry conditions and the right decision between bare hoof or shoeing. Switching to bare hooves should not take forever, so listen to your horse. If you have any questions or problems, you should always consult an experienced hoof trimmer or vet.