Cost-effective functional evaluation of the equine hoof: solear surface pressure distribution.
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Farriery and hoof trimming currently lack objective metrics for quantifying outcomes, relying heavily on individual practitioner skill. Advanced biomechanical instrumentation for characterizing equine plantar pressure profiles exists but is cost-prohibitive and lacks portability for routine, non-research applications. This study aimed to establish the scientific validity of a mechanically-based methodology to indirectly quantify plantar pressure distribution across the equine hoof’s solear surface. Considering the inherent plasticity of the hoof wall, it was hypothesized that footprints collected over a flexible, graduated depth architected plate would reflect the hoof’s solear pressure distribution. A 3D-printed Graduated Depth Plate (3D-GDP) prototype, fabricated from two distinct flexible materials, was utilized. Footprints were collected on paper over the 3D-GDP, twice for each plate material, both before and after routine trimming. Data comprised 286 footprints from 36 forelimbs, of 18 horses. Ink distribution patterns were quantified across the entire footprint area and within four specified quadrants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and General Linear Models (GLM) were applied to identify trimming-induced alterations. Components 1 and 2 from PCA explained 87.67% of total variance. PCA identified three traits: area, intensity, and distribution. All GLM’s coefficients of determination were above 0.81 and individual limb effect (p<0.001). The 3D-GDP promoted differential contact, resulting in solid pigmentation in high-force areas and repetitive patterns in distributed loading regions. Trimming generally redistributed load without altering its total amount, notably transferring loading from heels to the lateral toe (p<0.001). Kurtosis significantly increased on toes (p<0.001) and tended to decrease on heels. Plate material did not influence results. The 3D-GDP, made from flexible materials, represents a valuable tool for guiding routine equine podiatric interventions in field conditions.
Language: English
Subfield: Equine
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414424442
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