Farriery and hoof care practice in a selection of New Zealand sport horses

Abstract

Summary Reasons for performing study: There is limited published literature about New Zealand dressage and show jumping horses and their hoof conformation. This is an introduction to describe the farrier- and hoof management. Objectives: To describe the external forelimb hoof conformation, hoof care management and farrier practice in a cohort of dressage and show-jumping sport horses in New Zealand which are predominantly kept at pasture. Methods: Retrospective management and owner-reported injury data, and measurement of forelimb hoof conformation, were collected via a cross-sectional questionnaire and digital images from a convenience sample of 96 registered show jumping (n = 67) and dressage (n = 29) horses. Results: Nearly all horses were shod with conventional fullered shoes by 53 different farriers. Asymmetrical feet were identified in 29 of 94 (31%) horses. The difference between the mean dorsal hoof wall angle and palmar hoof angle is greater than 5ᵒ. Conclusions: This population of New Zealand sport horses tend to have low and underrun heels. There is a significant association between owners reporting hoof problems and the occurrence of asymmetrical front feet. Potential relevance: This study is a good first step for the introduction about farrier practice, hoof management and hoof conformation of the New Zealand competing sport horses.