The article “Use of an Elastomer to Reduce Concussion to Horses’ Feet,” states “concussion is one of the most important causes of lameness in horses” (Marks et al., 1971). A racehorse in full gallop can have an impact of 1 ton on their foot (Marks et al., 1971); it is no question that so many racehorses can come up lame after racing. The basic cause of heel concussion is an increased force as the hoof lands on the ground, and there are multiple variables that would logically impact this, such as speed, rider or horse weight and the firmness of the ground. If a horse is suffering from heel concussion you can sometimes see a shortened stride length and, in the later stages, sole bruises or corns will develop (Perszewski). Shoes can also increase the concussion force because they are inelastic and prevent the horse’s hoof from expanding as it naturally would to reduce the concussion. This inability to expand, particularly across the heels where expansion is greatest, will likely lead to lameness or even contracted heels. Because of this poor design for compression, an elastomer mold is being developed and tested to determine if it can “distribute a portion of the concussion from the shoe over an increased area to the frog and sole” (Marks et al., 1971). This pad can be used with any traditional shoe. In the study of 250 horses of varying disciplines, the outcomes indicated the pad’s future abilities to help treat “laminitis, navicular disease, contracted heels, quarter cracks, puncture wounds, corns, pedal osteitis, sole bruises, ossification of the lateral cartilages (side bone), and keratoma” (Marks et al., 1971). Working a horse on proper footing is critical to prevent heel concussion, as is using pads if the horse is prone to heel concussion problems. It is best to avoid toe grabs on shoes because they change the natural break-over point of the hoof and increase concussion (Perszewski).
To view the amount of force applied to the horse's distal limbs and hooves, please view the video below.
0.57 through 4.40
1.40 through 3.09
0.57 through 4.40
1.40 through 3.09
Amazing Slow Motion Horse Racing - Slo Mo #19 - Earth Unplugged. Dir. Earth Unplugged. 20 June 2013. YouTube.com. Web. 18 Nov. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scZbaTTAbCM>.