The Effects of Two Trimming Techniques on the Morphology of Hoof Shape in Horses (Equus caballus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are morphological changes in hoof shape between two groups of horses trimmed by different trimming techniques. The undersides of the hooves of twenty-two adult horses from each trimming group were photographed. Using landmark-based morphometric analysis, the overall hoof shape was compared within and between each group. Six landmarks were marked on each photograph: right and left heels, tip of the toe, tip of the frog, and the widest points on each side. Results show that there were significant effects of size on hoof shape within each trim group and that there was a significant shape difference between the two groups, even after accounting for allometric effects from size variation.