A peer-reviewed study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) which examines the effect of farriery interventions, in this case road nails, and demonstrates the impact on horses’ movement symmetry – including weight bearing and propulsion – has been published.
Key findings from the study, which was undertaken as part of the RVC’s Graduate Diploma in Equine Locomotor Research (Grad Dip ELR), show that while there are many different shoes on the market and various approaches to shoeing and trimming, it’s important to look at the effect of changes in ‘shoeing’ on the symmetry of movement, rather than the other way round. This evidence-based research can then be combined with owner and trainer observations to help make more informed decisions.
The study, which used tungsten road nails, indicates that pelvic movement symmetry in horses trotting on tarmac can be altered by the application of a road nail to the lateral heel of a hindlimb shoe. Subtle asymmetry in pelvic movement can for example be quantified as the difference in displacement amplitude between left and right tuber coxae (hip hike difference). The changes in pelvic movement symmetry – observed as a function of applying a road nail – can be explained by increased weight bearing and propulsion in the hind limb with the road nail.