This brief collection of notes have resulted from an analysis based on my activities as a farrier and more particularly as a consultant in thoroughbred stud farms. The comments and advice result from the experience that I have gained in analysing limb conformation and my corrective work on young foals together with their monitoring throughout their racehorse career. (1)
This experience also encapsulates a lot of co-operative work between breeders, vets and farriers with whom I share the responsibility of assessing, correcting and maintaining, as far as possible, limb conformation in the foals and horses that we are entrusted with. This knowledge of limb conformation correction in foals is based on a large number of cases and this is certainly most assessable via the thoroughbred circuit. The speed at which thoroughbred foals grow, the economic stakes and the professionalism that is present in the major stud farms allows us to monitor things very closely, act with precision and at the right time, to deal with all growth anomalies in young foals’ limbs.
Nowadays,Glue-on plastic shoes allow us to take action without any major risks for the tiny hooves and mean that we have to become experts in a technology that is not a symbol of farriery.
The various hoof balance and limb conformation anomalies in foals and correction possibilities
Observing the foal and meticulously analysing its limbs and joints are essential actions in order to carry out the appropriate correction. Farriers cannot content themselves with merely having a technical approach. Their approach must be based on analysis and involve decision based on the stage of development and the quality of work and stress that the tendon, joints and bones will be able to withstand. Considering the complexity of these corrections, it is a good idea to share these decisions with the vet and the animal’s owner.
Classification of the most common hoof balance and limb conformation anomalies
A.Sagittal plane (from the side) 1.“Prying Mantis” deviation of the knee (carpus) (2)
2. Flaccid tendons
3. Contracted tendons, ballerina syndrome
4. Club foot
5. Overshot fetlock: deviation ( straightening of fetlock and pastern)
B.Frontal plane (from the front 6. Bow knees or hocks (carpus varus) generally causing toe-in conformation of the hooves (surgery on the canon bone)
7. Pigeon-toes (correction on the hooves)
8. Knock knees, cow hocks (carpus valgus) generally causing toe-out (surgery on the canon bone)
9. Toes-out (correction on the hoof)
