Title: Hoof Capability Of Barefoot-Kept Horses And Ponies Walking Over Artificial Environments: An Anatomical And Radiological Study

Authors: Sarah Albanozzo, Louis Borg, Liberato Camilleri, Robert M Bowker

Publication Date: April 11, 2024

Objective: The study aimed to understand the hoof health and morphology of domesticated, barefoot-kept horses and ponies walking over artificial surfaces like tarmac, concrete screed, and limestone gravel.

Key Findings:

Sole Depth and Growth:

1. After walking 50 km over 16 days on artificial surfaces, sole depth increased in 11 out of 16 hooves, especially at the palmar process.
2. Sole growth was observed despite the hardening of the soles and necessitated trimming of the hoof walls by day 9.

Hoof Morphology and Radiography:

1. Radiographs revealed misalignment in some phalanges after the 50-km walk.
2. External measurements showed increased heel height and wear at the toes, especially on abrasive surfaces.

Hoof Health and Trimming:

1. The study emphasized the need for short trimming cycles (every 2-3 weeks) to prevent misalignment and maintain hoof health.
2. Misaligned phalanges were observed after the 50-km walk, suggesting the importance of frequent trimming.

Neurosensory System and Sole Growth:

1. The hoof acts as a neurosensory organ with Pacinian corpuscles (mechanoreceptors) playing a role in sensing pressure and vibration.
2. Sole growth was more prominent at the palmar process due to the high concentration of these corpuscles, especially when walking on hard surfaces.

Digital Cushion and Load Distribution:

1. The digital cushion plays a critical role in absorbing ground reaction forces (GRFs) and contains the most neuroreceptors in the hoof.
2. Proper load distribution is essential for locomotion, and trimming techniques should ensure even load distribution among the hoof wall, sole, frog, and bars.

Diet and Management:

1. A forage-based diet and continuous turnout were linked to intact and distortion-free hooves.
2. Proper nutrition significantly influences hoof health, and a high sugar-starch diet can lead to hoof issues.

Conclusion

The study revealed that barefoot-kept horses and ponies can adapt to walking on artificial surfaces, showing an increase in sole thickness and callous formation. Factors contributing to hoof health include a forage-based diet, continuous turnout, and frequent trimming. However, further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of walking on artificial surfaces and the optimal sole depth for different terrains.

Reference

Sarah Albanozzo., et al. “Hoof Capability of Barefoot-Kept Horses and Ponies Walking Over Artificial Environments: An Anatomical and Radiological Study.” EC Veterinary Science 9.1 (2024): 01-15.

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