Hometown Hoofcare

03/27/2025

…🤔🛞💍…

03/27/2025

For most people, the best day of their lives is perhaps their wedding day, the birth of a child, or a college graduation. And then there's me, and today... Today was the best day of my life.

Just kidding. Sort of.

Casper and Burberry are divine.

They are regularly groomed with a blow dryer, so the grinder was really no big deal.

03/26/2025

I'm a sucker for straight HPA and black acrylic.

Composite Freedom shoes can be found at Southwest Farrier Supply and Equine Digit Support System, Inc.

03/26/2025

Ground parallel palmar and plantar pedal bone angle – pathological or healthy?

And should we base hoof trimming on the wild hoof model?

The debate continues as to whether or not the palmar (PA) or plantar P3 angle (PLA) should sit at 0 degrees to the ground, or at a positive angle. And if it is to sit at a positive angle then what angle? (see the end of the post for abbreviations/glossary and references/resources)

Trimming to achieve ground parallel PA/PLA is often associated with the wild hoof model – a trimming and management approach based on feral or wild horses.

Some claim observations of wild horses and domestic horses thought to be free from foot pain with ground parallel pedal bones as empirical evidence for 0 degree PA/PLA. Trimmers that believe in this theory deliberately trim horses or force/allow wear patterns to achieve this.

There exists a direct relationship between the dorsal hoof wall angle (HA) and PA/PLA due to the direct connection between the wall and its foundation (the pedal bone).

A low HA is associated with a low or ground parallel PA/PLA, whereas a high HA is associated with a positive and higher PA/PLA.

What is deemed ‘low’ or ‘high’ isn’t agreed upon, like much of the study of the equine hoof in the industry.

Let’s look to the wild and feral horse. Studies have shown a variety of results indicating that contrary to popular belief, the feral horse foot type should not be used as an ideal model for the domestic horse foot.

Evidence from a Kaimanawa feral horse foot study found that a ground parallel or negative PA was linked to foot pathology in this population (1)

In another study featuring feral populations of Australian Brumby’s, it was suggested that the PA of horses living in a “natural” environment, with an absence of human intervention, is close to 6° (2)

It has also been suggested that the substrate upon which horses walk over in their daily life plays a role in shaping the hoof and influencing PA/PLA, with softer, less abrasive substrates associated with lower HA and therefore PA/PLA and harder, more abrasive substrates are associated with higher HA and therefore PA/PLA (3)

In these studies, it was observed that distances travelled daily also played a role in shaping hooves, and overall, that a combination of high travel and hard substrate was associated with more serious foot pathologies observed, which were common - eg. 377 abnormalities identified in a health survey of the left forefeet of 100 Australian brumbies from five different populations, only 3 feet considered healthy out of 100 assessed, a 67% chance of chronic laminitis and a 70% incidence of ungular cartilage ossification (4).

The wild hoof model is often chosen as an ideal model upon which to trim the domestic horse, however a more thorough investigation of internal foot structures using radiographic and lamellar histological assessment of feral horses, revealed significant pathology. As such, hoof care methods based on the wild hoof model may need to be carefully re-considered.

Let’s consider domestic horses. Like feral and wild populations, the conditions in which they live are varied, making it tricky to identify what is ‘healthy’ hoof morphology. However, it is easier to study domestic horses and they are of course, vulnerable to pathologies.

In the past decade or so, the widely accepted norm for an ideal PA/PLA is between 2 and 7 degrees, however there is a growing body of evidence suggesting the PA/PLA shouldn’t be used to identify optimum function and balance. What is becoming more apparent is that balance, form and function of the hoof is related to healthy or ideal alignment of the phalanges. Furthermore, the alignment of the phalanges is seemingly connected to posture, with misalignment of the phalanges being related to pathological, compensatory posture and development of the horse (5).

In addition, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that NPA/NPLA (negative palmar/plantar P3 angles) is associated with lameness and pathology in the digit, hind limb and in fact, anywhere along the superficial dorsal myofascial line. There is only 1 degree between ground parallel and negative angle… maybe one swipe of a rasp on a hoof… so if you believe a ground parallel pedal bones are healthy, and you seek to impose this on a horse, then you are placing a horse at risk of lameness by the potential to inadvertently create a negative pedal bone angle, with such small error margins. (6-13)

Instead of arguing about palmar angles, hoof care providers and researchers should instead be asking what is perhaps the most important question of all - how do we know if the management and hoof care imposed upon the horse is in the horse’s best interest and how can we measure this?

It has been suggested that objective assessment of welfare conditions of equines should can be achieved via study of:
1. Physiological
2. Postural
3. Behavioural
parameters (14).

This can be achieved in the field and lab via accurate, repeatable and science backed hoof and posture mark ups, equine ethograms and if necessary, veterinary investigative work and diagnostics such as blood work and radiographs.

For myself, after many years of research, trying out various trimming and hoof care methods, management systems and documenting objectively the results of such stimulus imposed upon the horse; I now assess welfare parameters and let the horse tell me if it is feeling safe and sound, and whether or not the impact of the intervention I have imposed or recommended has improved their welfare and well-being, or not.

The results gathered seem to indicate that horses respond to my approach well (prioritizing neuro-muscular health and comfort) and that there is a direct relationship between positive welfare indicators and neutral posture, ideal hoof morphology, balance and yes, a straight HPA (hoof-pastern axis) and phalangeal alignment. The palmar or plantar angle doesn’t matter, but it is always positive, and above 6 degrees.

It is also apparent that horses don’t care how this is achieved, and I have successfully used just a trim, or trim plus hoof boots and up to 6 degree wedges to temporarily create an artificially straight or straighter HPA, and at times I recommend shoes with a wedge and 3D support to achieve the same, where a reductive method and hoof boots simply aren’t practical within the horses environment (I work in the UK where many horses are exposed to mud a lot of the year). Wedging is another contentious topic for another time...

Ultimately, it is up to the owner to become aware and educated enough to make informed decisions in order to make the best choices, and be the best advocate for their horse. It pays to ask questions and learn more about the evidence for and against a particular belief, method, or system being advocated for or recommended by any professional. Just because you have been told something as fact, doesn’t necessarily make it so…

Personally and professionally, I am open to learning any new information and approaches which support equine welfare and as a result, I am not attached emotionally, energetically, or mentally to any belief system, method, or approach which may interfere with my aim of always placing the horse and owners needs before my own ego.

Can your hoof care provider or mentor say the same?

Beccy Smith - Hoof Care Myth Buster contributor.
Professional Integrative Equine Podiatrist and therapist at Holistic Equine.

Abbreviations and glossary of terms

Ground parallel PA/PLA: the angle between the pedal bone palmar processes and ground is 0 degrees.

HA hoof angle: refers to the dorsal hoof wall angle which is measured at the top third or proximal dorsal wall when viewed laterally.

HPA or hoof pastern axis: an external reference indicating phalangeal alignment (which can only be assessed from radiographs) and refers to the relationship between the hoof and the pastern, specifically the angle of the pastern and angle of the dorsal hoof wall, when viewed laterally. In a straight HPA, the angles are the same and indicate correct phalangeal alignment.

NPA/NPLA or negative plantar or plantar P3 angle: when the distal border P3 palmar processes are sitting lower to the ground than ground parallel. In a healthy hoof, it is considered that there should be a positive (PA/PLA) angle.

PA or Palmar angle: the angle between the distal border of the distal phalanx (pedal bone or P3) palmar processes and the ground, as reviewed on a lateral hoof radiograph. Palmar refers to the front hoof.

Phalanges: the last 3 bony column bones in the distal limb comprising the 1st, 2nd and 3rd phalanx, otherwise known as P1, P2 or P3 or colloquially, the long pastern, short pastern and coffin bone.

PLA or Plantar angle: as PA but referring to the hind hoof.

References/resources:
(1) Hampson, B. A., Ramsey, G., Macintosh, A. M., Mills, P. C., de Laat, M. A., & Pollitt, C. C. (2010). Morphometry and abnormalities of the feet of Kaimanawa feral horses in New Zealand. Australian veterinary journal, 88(4), 124–131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00554.x

(2) Hampson, B. A., de Laat, M. A., Mills, P. C., Walsh, D. M., & Pollitt, C. C. (2013). The feral horse foot. Part B: radiographic, gross visual and histopathological parameters of foot health in 100 Australian feral horses. Australian veterinary journal, 91(1-2), 23–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12017

(3) Hampson, B. A., de Laat, M. A., Mills, P. C., & Pollitt, C. C. (2013). The feral horse foot. Part A: observational study of the effect of environment on the morphometrics of the feet of 100 Australian feral horses. Australian veterinary journal, 91(1-2), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2012.00995.x

(4) HAMPSON, B.A. & POLLITT, C. C. (2011) Improving the foot health of the domestic horse. The relevance of the feral horse foot model. Pub no 11/140 Australian Government - Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

(5) Sharp, Y (2020). Updated February 1st 2023. Palmar Angles. The Equine Documentalist.
https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/palmar-angles

(6) Dyson, S.J.; Tranquille, C.A.; Collins, S.N.; Parkin, T.D.H.; Murray, (2011) R.C. External characteristics of the lateral aspect of the hoof differ between non-lame and lame horses. Vet. J. 2011, 190, 364–371.

(7) Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 Horses with Musculoskeletal Pain before and after Diagnostic Anaesthesia. Animals (Basel). 2023 Jun 9;13(12):1940. doi: 10.3390/ani13121940. PMID: 37370450; PMCID: PMC10295347.

(8) Gellman, K. (2010). Living With Gravity: Posture and the Stomatognathic System by Karen Gellman, DVM, PhD.http://www.equinesportsmed.com/.../Gellman%20IAED%202010.pdf

(9) Mansmann, R.A.; James, S.; Blikslager, A.T.; vom Orde, K. (2010) Long Toes in the Hind Feet and Pain in the Gluteal Region: An Observational Study of 77 Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2010, 30, 720–726.

(10) Pezzanite, L.; Bass, L.; Kawcak, C.; Goodrich, L.; Moorman, V. (2019) The relationship between sagittal hoof conformation and hindlimb lameness in the horse. Equine Vet. J. 2019, 51, 464–469

(11) P. E. Clements, I. Handel, S. A. McKane, R. P. Coomer (2019) An investigation into the association between plantar distal phalanx angle and hindlimb lameness in a UK population of horses. Equine Vet J. 2020, Volume 32, Issue S10, pages 52-59

(12) Sharp, Yogi, and Gillian Tabor (2022). An Investigation into the Effects of Changing Dorso-Plantar Hoof Balance on Equine Hind Limb Posture. Animals 12, no. 23: 3275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233275

(13) Walmsley EA, Jackson M, Wells-Smith L, Whitton RC. (2019) Solar angle of the distal phalanx is associated with scintigraphic evidence of subchondral bone injury in the palmar/plantar aspect of the third metacarpal/tarsal condyles in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J. 2019 Nov;51(6):720-726. doi: 10.1111/evj.13086. Epub 2019 Mar 19. PMID: 30793363.

(14) Lesimple, C. (2020). Indicators of Horse Welfare: State-of-the-Art. Animals, 10(2), 294. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020294

03/26/2025

Straight hoof pastern axis (and positive plantar P3 angle) or ground parallel P3?

* please see resources and further reading for explanation of terminology used *

There exists a relationship between hoof balance, specifically the plantar (hind hoof) P3 angle and pathology.

Trimming or deliberately allowing or encouraging a hoof to wear so there is a ground parallel P3 will create a broken back hoof-pastern axis or BBHPA, and therefore a lack of ideal phalangeal alignment. In addition, there is only one degree difference between ground parallel and NPLA. Which really isnt much at all.

NPLA can also manifest with loss of homeostasis and tissue changes to structures in the hoof leading to loss of healthy suspension of the foot within the capsule.

NPLA is associated with pathology and loss of function in the horse (see diagram below).

Modern farriery and podiatry science point to a straight hoof-pastern axis and balanced hoof, which will have a positive palmar or plantar P3 angle, and the ideal angle will be determined by the conformation of the individual hoof and horse.

There is also an emerging science focusing on posture, and posture is associated with hoof morphology, balance and presence of indeal phalangeal alignment. For example, a camped under compensatory posture, where the cannon bone of the hind limb is not perpendicular to the level ground, nor positioned so that a line passes from the point of buttock straight down the back of the hind cannon bone, is associated with a lack of ideal phalangeal alignment of the hind digit (commonly, a broken back HPA, and low or NPLA).

This should provide pause for thought and sufficient evidence to question a hoof care approach which supports a broken back HPA, ground parallel pedal bone, lower than ideal pedal bone angle, less than ideal posture or lack of ideal phalangeal alignment.

It is perhaps good practice to always question what is actually promoting optimum welfare outcome for any individual horse by objectively assessing welfare parameters, and in particular postural, physiological and behavioural evidence. This can be easily achieved in the field through radiographs, hoof and posture mark ups and equine ethograms for instance. Documentation and record keeping aids with assessment and tracking changes which will priovide supportive evidence for the efficacy of any intervention imposed on the domestic horse.

Resources and further reading:

Ground parallel P3: the bottom surface of the pedal bone is sitting parallel to the level ground surface when viewed laterally.

BBHA: where there isnt a straight line down the centre of the pastern, equal to the dorsal wall angle of the hoof, when viewed from the lateral aspect. The dorsal wall angle will be lower than the angle of the pastern, indicating a lack of ideal phalangeal alignment.

Ideal phalangeal alignment: the phalanges of the equine digit are P1, the first phalanx or long pastern bone, P2, the second phalanx or short pastern bone, and P3, the third phalanx or coffin bone/pedal bone. A straight line from the centre of rotation of the pastern joint, through the centre of P2 to the centre of rotation of the coffin joint, which is equal to the angle of the front face of the pedal bone when viewed laterally. Some say there should be a continuation of the straight line from the fetlock joint through P1 also. In a BBHPA, and therefore a lack of ideal phalangeal alignment, the angle of the front face of the pedal bone and therefore the angle of the dorsal wall of the hoof is lower (where there isn’t rotation of the inner foot away from the capsule). This can often be viewed from external observation and confirmed with a medial lateral radiograph of the digit.

Clements, P.E., Handel, I., McKane, S. A., R. P. Coomer, R. P. (2019) An investigation into the association between plantar distal phalanx angle and hindlimb lameness in a UK population of horses. Equine Vet J. 2020, Volume 32, Issue S10, pages 52-59

Dyson, S. J., Weekes, J. S., & Murray, R. C. (2007). Scintigraphic evaluation of the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis. Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association, 48(1), 78–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00208.x

Mansmann, R.A.; James, S.; Blikslager, A.T.; vom Orde, K. (2010) Long Toes in the Hind Feet and Pain in the Gluteal Region: An Observational Study of 77 Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2010, 30, 720–726.

Pezzanite, L. et al. (2019) ‘The relationship between sagittal hoof conformation and hindlimb lameness in the horse’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 51(4), pp. 464–469. doi: 10.1111/evj.13050.

Sharp, Y. & Tabor, G. (2022). An Investigation into the Effects of Changing Dorso-Plantar Hoof Balance on Equine Hind Limb Posture. Animals 12, no. 23: 3275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233275

Walmsley EA, Jackson M, Wells-Smith L, Whitton RC. (2019) Solar angle of the distal phalanx is associated with scintigraphic evidence of subchondral bone injury in the palmar/plantar aspect of the third metacarpal/tarsal condyles in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J. 2019 Nov;51(6):720-726. doi: 10.1111/evj.13086. Epub 2019 Mar 19. PMID: 30793363.

Author: Beccy Smith (Holistic Equine) - Independent integrative equine podiatrist and equine postural rehabilitation therapist.

03/25/2025

03/22/2025

I want to take a moment to share some of the ways we all can work together to make conditions safer for farriers.

All of these tips have been born out of accidents or mishaps throughout my career. The dumbest things happen at the most inopportune times and all we can do is be as prepared and aware as possible.

This list is not exhaustive and there will always be nuances, exceptions, compromises, and what have you. This is meant to help educate and bring awareness to how we can make things safer for farriers.

Here are my suggestions

-Have horses that are well handled and have an education level that is appropriate for hoof care, arrange for training prior to farrier day. A long hoof is the least of the problems if the horse is dangerous to work on.

-Please work with your horse and train it, seek a professional if you are unable.

-Have appropriate fly gear, fans, and/or spray available. Horses kicking at flies on three legs is no joke and can lead to injury in a hurry.

-Have horses settled and mentally prepared to stand, which may mean not feeding or moving horses in and out of turnout or having dogs running around when the farrier is working. A relaxed and focused horse is far more safe to get under.

-If horses are painful, stiff, uncomfortable make sure to provide them with the necessary tools prior to the farrier visit. This can be NSAIDS from your vet, bemer, theraplate, BTMM pillar one and two, a good walking warm up, turnout, etc.

-Have horses in, clean, in a well lit and clean space with good non-slip footing. Wet feet on concrete is asking for a wreck. Muddy tools from muddy feet and legs make handling sharp tools slippery and more prone to slipping.

-Have horses that know how to safely tied or cross tied. Preferably with greased quick release snaps (they need routine care so that when the need arises they actually let go) or some sort of safety quick release. If they don’t know how to tie, they need to be held by a competent handler.

-Have a dedicated space for your horse to come and settle for farrier day. Suddenly changing locations can make for an anxious horse that doesn’t stand well.

-If the farrier says the horse is difficult or unsafe, provided the farrier didn’t contribute to that in some way, believe them and find a way to improve the situation for all parties.

-Be mindful of the time of year and scheduling, snow sliding off roofs, thunderstorms, severe heat or cold all greatly increase our risk of injury. Reschedule and keep everyone safe. I know it is a hassle for all parties, do it anyways.

-Communicate and be honest about your horse’s behavior with the people that are going to work with your horse. If your horse has a history of kicking, I need to know about it before I get under the horse.

-Don’t allow horses to chew, lick, nuzzle the farrier unless you have permission from the farrier to allow this.

-don’t allow them to excessively look around when they are having their feet worked with. All those weight shifts impact us.

-Don’t discipline a horse when the farrier is working on the horse. Have a conversation with the farrier about what is happening and a solution for it so everyone can stay safe.

-If a farrier asks you to make adjustments to handling or training, environment, conditions etc. don’t take it personally, they are trying to set the horse up for success and to stay safe.

-Plan ahead with your veterinarian if further pharmaceutical restraint or pain control is necessary for all parties to be safe for hoof care.

-As a handler, advocate for safety for the farrier and be aware of the environment.

-Do not walk horses past a horse in an aisle that is having farrier work.

If you have more tips to share about how to create a safer space for horses share it here and more importantly, do it for your farrier. And share!

03/18/2025

Tuff zoning out during his trim to some PEMF therapy 🧘‍♀️.

Thank you, Integrated Therapy Solutions, for making it possible for me to acquire one and treat my clients to a little something extra during their trims. 🙏

I am now also a Centropix Kloud distributor. Message me if you are interested in a unit for yourself and your herd. This unit is one of the most convenient, effective, and affordable pulse electromagnetic field devices on the market.

https://centropix.us/HometownHoofcareAZ

03/17/2025

A nice seasoned Arabian foot and a nice baby Mustang foot after all the rain we've had.

These two had exfoliating frogs, but lately, after studying more of Dr. Bowker's work, I'm less and less inclined to trim frogs.

03/15/2025

Lil, because she's cute, and has great feet. She's one of those that you literally go out in the pasture and trim with a grinder and she's happy to hang out with you. Fun fact: Lil is the horse I used for my PHCP Intermediate Studies media presentation.

03/15/2025

Prepped and shod.

03/14/2025

This might not be such a popular concept.... but I think it's pretty important to understand... the "woo woo" can be a SUPPLEMENT TO good horsemanship, but can't be a REPLACEMENT FOR good horsemanship.

You can't out-"woo woo" a lack of understanding or education for you or your horse... so it's important that we start with understanding and education FIRST.

I don't want to drag this post into what woo is more effective and what woo is just wasted rainbow refraction - and in many cases, that's not for me to judge. (I'm a fan of plenty of woo woo, myself).

But we need to have a baseline of education first, for ourselves and our horses.

Otherwise, we are just "adding more icing to a poorly baked cake."