The Thoroughbred Racehorse Foot

The Thoroughbred foot’s relatively thin walls and sole make it more susceptible to trauma, injury, and hoof capsule distortion.
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The Thoroughbred Racehorse Foot
The relatively thin walls and sole of the Thoroughbred foot make it more susceptible to trauma | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse
Foot problems can commonly cause horses to be scratched from a race, lose training days, overload other structures, and have shortened careers. Functionally adapted for speed and efficient use of energy, the Thoroughbred foot is light and lacks the mass for protection commonly seen in heavier boned breeds.

The relatively thin walls and sole of the Thoroughbred foot make it more susceptible to trauma, injury, and hoof capsule distortion. Hoof capsule distortion refers to misshapen/imbalanced hooves such as flares, cracks, underrun, and collapsed and sheared heels. Distortions affect function and have been correlated with musculoskeletal injuries and lameness. Foot shape and balance are paramount to maintaining soundness and optimal performance. Maintenance and development of a healthy functional foot are necessary for well-being and longevity of racehorses, requiring a proactive approach including balanced shoeing and support.

The heel region is designed to impact the ground first and dissipate vibrations. This is usually the first part of the foot to display distortion since it is made up of soft, elastic structures. The toe is stiffer and designed to cut into the ground for traction. Hoof capsule distortions occur slowly over time and result from long-term abnormal weight bearing.

The most common imbalance encountered is feet shod with too much toe length and inadequate heel length. The center of the shoe’s weight bearing surface should line up with the center of the coffin joint which is aligned at the widest part of the sole. Balanced shoeing around the coffin joint helps to distribute force more appropriately over the hoof

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