Heel movement and foot biomechanics in aluminium nail‐on and indirect glue‐on fabric cuff shoes in horses

Abstract

Abstract Background Heel movement is critical to shock absorption and vascular perfusion of the equine digit. Conventional horseshoeing techniques are suspected to restrict natural hoof deformation, affecting hoof biomechanics. Several studies have explored the effects of shoeing on hoof function, though many have been limited to artificial conditions, cadavers, or homogenous populations. Objective We aimed to compare the effects of two aluminium shoeing techniques, nail‐on versus indirect glue‐on fabric cuff shoes, on heel movement in horses. Our objective was to determine which technique allowed greater heel movement on hard and soft footing. Study Design A controlled in vivo experimental study using a repeated‐measures design. Methods Fifteen healthy horses underwent three trials: (1) indirect glue‐on fabric cuff shoes, (2) barefoot, and (3) aluminium nail‐on shoes. A displacement sensor was affixed to the heels of one forelimb. Measurements were taken on hard and soft footing. Data were analysed using mixed‐model ANOVA to determine differences in heel movement. Results Heel movement was significantly greater when barefoot ( p < 0.0001). Mean heel displacement for the walk on hard ground was highest in barefoot horses (3.03 ± 0.67 mm), followed by glue‐on shoes (2.23 ± 0.58 mm), and aluminium nail‐on shoes (1.96 ± 0.48 mm). At the trot, mean heel movement was greatest in barefoot horses (3.29 ± 0.62 mm), followed by glue‐on shoes (2.56 ± 0.55 mm), and aluminium nail‐on shoes (2.12 ± 0.47 mm). Main Limitations The two main limitations were: (1) The lack of an absolute zero baseline measurement, preventing differentiating between heel expansion and contraction. (2) Low heel conformation in some horses prevented recordings on soft footing, reducing the statistical power. Conclusions This study reinforces previous findings that shoeing restricts heel movement. Indirect glue‐on shoes allow for more heel movement than nail‐on shoes at the trot; both techniques limit heel movement compared to barefoot.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Equine Veterinary Journal, 2026 · DOI ↗