Effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lameness, discipline, training intensity, environmental variability, and shoeing are all factors demonstrated to affect hoof loading and therefore act as adaptive stimuli to alter hoof morphology.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of age at training initiation on hoof morphology and lameness incidence and determine if specific hoof morphology measurements correlate with lameness in juvenile American Quarter Horses.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

American Quarter Horses (n = 42; 29 two-year-olds, 13 three-year-olds) entering training were monitored for hoof morphology and lameness over 6 months (months 0, 2, 4, and 6). Hoof measurements (palmar/plantar angles, frog base width/length, toe length/angle, heel length/angle, heel and foot w

SUBMITTER: Kawahisa-Piquini G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10291006 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature