Hooves, appearances, loading and landing

Here is a Thursday conundrum for you hoof anoraks. Sarah has posted some fascinating photos in this post on the Phoenix forum about the changes happening in Solar's feet.  As always, there are interesting questions about whether the human view of "correct" foot balance coincides with the horse's view.

With that in mind, I wanted to upload some photos and video for you to ponder. They aren't photos of Solar - in fact they aren't photos of a rehab horse at all - but they are interesting nonetheless.

This is a hoof that would strike many people (including some hoofcare professionals) as being shockingly "unbalanced". The off centre breakover is the first thing most people notice, but if you focus on the hairline rather than the hoof capsule the whole thing should appear more balanced.

Here is the sole shot, for those of you who are pining for it :-) Stonking frog, healthy sole and from this angle too, a much more balanced foot. Underneath is always the first place to start when assessing balance!

But here is the most important thing - how the hoof is landing, how the hoof is loading.

This is why how a hoof looks (particularly from above) is - in my opinion - the last question anyone should focus on if they are concerned with performance.

How the hoof performs is pretty essential, and whether it compensates for any injuries or less-than-perfect conformation. Whether it conforms to a human ideal of symmetry or perfection comes in a lot further down the list.

From this horse's point of view, whether a hoof is a good hoof is pretty simple. He needs a hoof capsule which supports his limb, enables him to land correctly and which can effectively shock absorb and give him feedback when he is travelling at speed over uneven terrain.

If - as in this horse - his joints require the breakover to be off centre in order for the foot to load and land evenly, then the hoof capsule needs to accommodate that to reduce strain on the limb.

If the hoof capsule does all this well, he will be sound, moving efficiently, comfortable and capable of high mileage over all terrain. The last thing he will care about is whether you think its symmetrical!