Overview: Welfare assessment for foot balance management in horses, covering farriery principles and common imbalances.
Key Welfare Facts
Foot balance refers to the alignment of the hoof with the limb, affecting load distribution and stress on joints.
Medio-lateral imbalance causes uneven loading of collateral cartilages and digital cushion, contributing to disease.
Broken hoof-pastern axis is a common farriery problem associated with navicular syndrome and proximal limb pain.
Regular farriery at 6-8 week intervals maintains balance and prevents welfare compromise from overgrowth.
Communication between vet and farrier is critical for horses with orthopaedic conditions requiring corrective shoeing.
Barefoot management in appropriate horses with suitable environment can support natural hoof health and function.
Welfare Assessment
Equine foot balance significantly affects welfare through its impact on joint and soft tissue loading. Working with a skilled farrier and maintaining appropriate shoeing or trimming intervals prevents many common orthopaedic welfare problems.
What You Can Do
Maintain regular farriery appointments at appropriate intervals for each individual horse
Establish good communication between vet and farrier for horses with orthopaedic problems
Discuss hoof-pastern axis evaluation at each farriery visit to identify developing imbalances
Ensure appropriate footing in stables and paddocks to support foot health between farriery visits