Difference in hoof conformation between shod and barefoot-managed hooves

Abstract Reasons for performing the study Hoof conformation is linked to biomechanics of the hoof and injury occurrence. There is no scientific data if conformation differs between shod and barefoot-managed hooves. Objectives To investigate if and how shod and barefoot hooves differ in conformation. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Standardised lateral, dorsopalmar/dorsoplantar and solar photographs of 98 shod and 69 barefoot-managed hooves were included. Thirty-six of the barefoot horses were farrier-managed, 33 were podiatrist-managed. Length and angular measurements produced nine conformation parameters; dorsopalmar/plantar balance, solar symmetry, toe angle, heel angle, heel/toe angle difference, heel width, splaying index, flaring index and frog size. Results Barefoot hooves showed significantly fewer underrun heels, steeper heel angles, wider heels, increased splaying, increased flaring and larger frog size compared to hooves of shod horses. Solar symmetry showed a significant difference in front hooves but not hind hooves (P=0.038, P=0.104) and toe angle was not significantly different (P=0.368, P=0.425). There was no significant difference in the conformation of barefoot farrier and podiatrist-managed front hooves, however there was a significant difference in the hind hooves: farrier-managed hooves had longer frogs and shorter toes, compared to podiatrist-managed hooves. Conclusions The significant differences in hoof conformation found should be considered when managing the individual horse, since hoof conformation affects loading of the internal structure of the hoof and hence influences aetiopathogenesis of hoof pathology.