21/07/2026
👌🏼
I will apologise first for this long post, but I am getting a little concerned as I see more information from influential groups and individuals discussing the external shape of the hoof capsule and their internal findings from dissections.
Most do not understand that what they are seeing is dysfunctional; therefore, your findings should be valued in that light. They are saying they are following the changes using measurements and shapes rather than the true presenting pathology. This is because understanding the pathology requires a very complex understanding of anatomy, functional anatomy, bioengineering and including the applied forces on those living structures. Therefore, how do we answer the questions of foot balance and changes in the functional forces on the body?
We must allow nature to guide us and not apply mathematical equations or measurements to establish foot balance but rely on the animal and how it must compensate for the imbalance in its body and transfer that imbalance to the ground if we are to help them.
When there is a foot imbalance, there must be a change in the body's cellular structures.
The more you can comprehend the presenting pathology and compensation patterns of the upper body and trace your listings from the presenting posture to the distal limbs of the animal, then evaluate the biophysical properties occurring as a consequence of the loading of the feet you will have the findings needed to complete the trimming and shoeing of the hoof capsule: as it is only product of the weight it carries and that is relative to the orthopaedic loading of the distal interphalangeal joint of each limb of the equine.
Some of you might be asking What is Biophysics? The science of biophysics aims to explain the functions and properties of molecular structures throughout the body and uses findings from specific cells to understand how the body works.
In my research, I consider the biological aspect of a living animal and, therefore, I calculate the functional or dysfunctional loading characteristics of the gravitational forces acting upon the body and the ground forces reaction and the interplay of the neuromuscular and skeletal system response to such loading forces and then develop my trimming strategy and shoe placement from findings.
The horse is our true teacher, and we are their students and control their destiny. So try to make ourselves better student for their destiny. Please consider what you are hearing and seeing before taking up new trimming or shoeing strategies.
