Page 1134 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

1100 Chapter 11

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A B

C

Figure 11.16. Hoof rasp (A). Note the coarse side of the rasp (B) that is used to remove hoof wall and the smooth side (C) that is used to
level the foot. Source: Courtesy of FPD Farrier Products Distribution, Shelbyville, KY 40066.

making this final assessment, the distance from the middle
of the foot to the toe is generally greater than the distance
to the base of the frog. When this occurs, the foot can be
placed on a foot stand, and the outer perimeter of the
distal dorsal hoof wall at the toe can be reduced with a
rasp. This places the COR in the middle of the foot or in
the middle of the shoe when shod. The foot is further
shaped by removing flares from the outer surface of the
hoof capsule to concentrate weight‐bearing on the hoof
wall under the limb. Following the trim, a shoe can be
applied to complement the trim, protect the trim, and
change the biomechanics of the foot when necessary.

TRIMMING THE BAREFOOT HORSE
Recently, it has become popular to maintain horses in
the barefoot or natural state. The author favors horses
being maintained without shoes when possible. On the
Figure 11.17. Heels of the hoof capsule trimmed to the base of other hand, the author believes that horses can be shod
the frog. Note that the hoof wall at the heels and the frog are on the in a physiologic manner such that minimal damage to
same horizontal plane (yellow circle). the hoof capsule will occur. Factors to consider when
making this decision to leave the horse barefoot include:
orientation of the foot are necessary, such as in the case • Protection for the before ground surface of hoof cap­
of sheared heel conformation. sule when hoof wear exceeds growth
An imaginary line drawn from the initial line across the • Traction that is necessary for athletic activities in per­
widest part of the foot to the base of the frog should formance horses and safety for horse and rider
approximate another line drawn from the widest part of • Therapeutic shoes or devices to treat lameness or dis­
the foot to perimeter of the hoof wall at the toe. When eases of the hoof or to address limb conformation