Biometry and hoof balance alterations in horses used to vaquejada

Abstract

This study assessed the hoof balance of 50 adult Quarter horses in training of vaquejada to determine the biometry and incidence of hoof imbalance. Seven measurements of the hoof were taken: angle at the toe, lateral and medial heel length, toe length, frog length and width, and length and width of sole. From these measurements the following hoof problems could be identified: 32 out of 50 horses (64%) had contracted heels, 15 (30%) had medial to lateral hoof imbalance, and 27 (54%) had asymmetry of hoof. The difference of toe angle among contralateral members was not significant, however, some horses presented difference among the angle of the opposite forelimb, varying from the degree 1 to the 2, and foot contraction varied from 40 to 64% to the different studied members. The high frequency of hoof abnormalities in this population of horses suggests that trimming and shoeing practices employed should be reviewed and improved. Keywords: Equine, hoof balance, trimming, lameness