Guidelines for Trimming the Equine Foot: A Review

1. Introduction
The importance of understanding the practice and art of farriery is obvious in equine veterinary medicine. The equine foot is unique, because it is a biological entity (structures) that follows the laws of physics (biomechanics). Biomechanics is defined as the study of the mechanics of a biological structure.^1,2  A working knowledge of the biomechanics of the foot as we perceive them is essential for the clinician, either veterinarian or farrier, to implement appropriate farriery.^1–3  The structures of the hoof complex are comprised of the hoof capsule, sole, frog, digital cushion, ungual cartilages, and deep digital flexor tendon. Farriery assumes the dominant role in maintaining the health of the foot and preserving the integrity of these structures.⁴  Often, trimming and shoeing methods are based on theoretical assumptions and aesthetic decisions derived from empiric experience rather than consistent repeatable guidelines or landmarks that can be applied to the foot on an individual basis. Hoof balance has been the term used by veterinarians and farriers to describe the theoretical ideal shape or conformation of a given foot, the position of the hoof relative to the limb above, and the way that the foot should be trimmed; however, hoof balance lacks an intrinsic definition.⁴ [...]