The relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and lameness...

A study was carried out to determine whether there is a correlation between foot conformation, foot placement and lameness or asymmetry.

When horses are examined for lameness these factors are all taken into consideration, however little research has been done into the correlation between the three. This study was carried out by final year students at the Royal Veterinary College.

43 horses were used for this study, 10 from the RVC’s teaching herd (not currently ridden) and the other 33 from private yards. The horses used were all perceived to be sound by their owners.

With foot conformation significant differences were found between the left and right hooves. Foot placement in walk was generally lateral heel, and in trot the most common was lateral. Using the symmetry index SI on the poll, only 22 of the horses were assessed as sound! Which makes an interesting point into lameness, the variation between the scientific indicator and whether a horse is fit for purpose.

There was no dramatic relationship between any of the areas tested, however the study did reveal some interesting outcomes. There was a strong correlation between movement asymmetry and a shorter/narrower hoof. There is not, however, any real correlation between foot placement to either movement asymmetry or conformation. This suggests that horses have an inherent way of placing their feet which is not affected by their conformation, but may be effected by other external factors.

Which in essence backs up the old proverb of “no foot, no horse.” Which is as apt today as it ever was, and is always worth bearing in mind when going to look at a horse for sale!

Wilson, A., Agass, R., Vaux, S., Sherlock, E., Day, P., Pfau, T. and Weller, R. (2014). Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry. Equine Vet J, 48(1), pp.90-96.