A rotational deviation is a twist in the limb.The twist can be in a long bone or in a joint. Asingle limb can have multiple deviations ofvaried degree. Some deviations are normaland may be breed specific. Draft horsestend to toe in (an axial rotational deviation).Some deviations are discipline specific.Thoroughbreds as foals tend to toe out, an abaxial rotational deviation. Some deviationsare considered within normal ranges and someare outside normal ranges. The acceptableranges are determined by the activity of the horse,weight of the horse, environment the horse is inand the speed in which the horse travels. The

Volume 15: Issue 2

1

Shoeing for RotationalDeviation of the Equine Limb

Figure 1. Schwyter, Swiss Farriers Manual, 1906.Continued on page 2

1.

by Michael J. Wildenstein CJF, FWCF (Hons)

Examination of a horse preliminaryto shoeing should be made whilethe animal is at rest and afterwardswhile in motion. The object of theexamination is to gain accurateknowledge of the direction andmovements of the limbs, of theform and character of the feet andhoofs, of the manner in which thefoot reaches and leaves the ground,of the form, length, position, andwear of the shoe. (A. Lungwitz,1884)

This newsletter Published By Empire Farrier Supply

2

The Natural Angle

draft horse used inagriculture to pull a plowhas to walk in a furrow, adepression in the soil thesame width as the plow.The breed of the horse isheavily muscled and isbase narrow. The toe inconformation predisposesthe horse to paddle, or wingout, which is acceptable asthe horse works at a walk.The conformation allowsthe horse to walk thenarrow path, withoutstepping on the potatoeswhile cultivating weeds. The thoroughbred may begin,toed out, yet as the animal matures and muscles up thelimbs rotate towards the center.

Dr. James Rooney points out that some rotation occursin normal limbs:

"The amount of spin is only about 7 to8 degrees and thus not readily seenexcept in high speed film or video. Thissmall amount of spin, however, is veryimportant in the pathogenesis ofarthritis of the fetlock joint andfractures of metacarpal 3, metatarsal3, or the 1st. phalanx."

As hoof care providers this information is important. Weneed to choose the appropriate shoes and makemodifications to accommodate the characteristics ofevery limb.

One important fact is that a horse with a rotationaldeviation does not break over at the center of the toe.So, determining the point of break over and modifyingthe shoe is important to the well being of the horse(Figure 4). Flexing the limb in the natural range ofmotion so that the hoof is off the floor will define breakover (Figure 5).

Continued from page 1

Figures 2 and 3. Illustrations that showRotation; The illustrations are by A. Lungwitz.A textbook of Horseshoeing.

2.

3.

4. 5.

Evaluation would include; 1) Watching the horse walkaway from you and towards you. 2) Walking around thehorse to observe the limbs from many angles. 3) Liftingthe limbs in the natural range of motion. 4) Observing theconformation. 5) Look at the wear on the hoof or the shoethat is on the horse (use a camera capable of slowing downthe motion of the limbs in movement). We cannot changethe conformation of the mature horse, though we canassist them in using what they have.

"The twisting movement of any hoof should,for physiological reasons, not be hindered byShoeing." (Lungwitz 1884)

Continued on page 3

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The Natural Angle

Observe the wear patterns ofthe used shoe to evaluatebreak over and build theminto the new shoe (Figure 6).The old shoe is a road mapgiving direction to the newshoe. Using the KerckhaertClassic Roller will save timeand energy as the shoe has themodifications necessary toease break over in alldirections (Figure 7).

The horses that have rotational deviations in the stifle and thehock will rotate the hoof in the propulsion phase and it isimportant to allow this to happen. Using the Kerckhaert ClassicRoller hind on these horses will facilitate this natural movement.Be conservative with traction devices on horses with rotationaldeviations. Be sure and position traction devices so that breakover is not hindered. Be aware of the environment that thehorse is expected to perform in. A jumping horse performingin natural environment needs traction, on a syntheticenvironment the traction is minimized.

Define the style of shoe by the severity of the rotation and therequirements of the horse. The seasonal variations in environmentare another factor to consider. Many shoes are designed to easebreak over in the toe though a horse with a severe rotational

Continued from page 2

6.

7.

deviation may be breaking over on the outside toquarter and the SX Roller would be a great choiceas the half round stock allows break over in alldirections.

Deviations from normal conformationare always a drawback to theperformance of work. When stronglypronounced, and especially when twoor more defects occur in one limb,they greatly predispose to striking,cutting and to disease of joints and ofthe hoof. No absolute rule can ofcourse be laid down and manydeviations occur, resulting partly frompeculiarities in direction of individualbones and consequent irregularities inmovement, from pace, that is,whether the horse walk or trot, fromthe way in which the animals weightis distributed between his fore andhind limbs, and from the position andamount of the load which the horsedraws or carries. (A.W. Dollar1887)

For best results practice good fundamentals ofconformation evaluation, balanced trimmingand intelligent choices regarding the shoemodifications needed. Small changes in the hoofcare can make a dramatic difference in the wellbeing of the horse and the satisfaction of seeing theimprovement is what keeps us going. Be safe. ■

REFERENCES1. A handbook of Horseshoeing, 1887A.W Dollar, M.R.C.V.S, Albert Wheatley,F.R.C.V.S

2. A textbook of Horseshoeing,A.Lungwitz, 1884

3. Equine Podiatry, Andrea Floyd,

NEWLIBERTYDRIVINGHAMMERS

■ designed bykerckhaert

■ 6, 7 and 8 oz.sizes

■ well balanced■ weight forwarddesign

A wood handled forepunch manufactured by BloomForge was returned for inspection recently. We hadRoy Bloom inspect the tool and then do the repairthat can easily be done in the field if you have thenecessary grinding equipment.

Roy’s analysis of the tool pointed to the fact that therewas no “heat signature” near the broken tip. Thisindicated the tool was used either in a cold piece orsomething with almostno heat. Forepunchesare intended for use inhot material. Heconcluded that the factthere was no heat andthe type of break thatoccurred at the tipmeant the tool waslikely driven into thematerial and bottomedout on the anvil,causing the break.

The customer also apparently did not believe therubber keeper was sufficient to hold the tool on thehandle. Bloom uses the rubber keepers as he hasfound that wedges will tend to come out as thehandle experiences the drying that occurs whenworking in hot metal. It also has a certain amount ofshock absorbing benefit. The customer had driven alarge E-head nail in to act as a wedge and as a resultthe handle was split on both sides and has to bereplaced.

The head of the tool was removed, then using a 100grit belt; he ground the tip back to flat. Then hestarted grinding the sides to get the properdimensions for an E-head nail. He recommends notusing gloves when fixing tools so that you can feelthe heat as it builds when grinding. If the tool begins

4

The Natural Angle

T O O L C O R N E R

Repairing aDamagedForepunch

Damaged Wood HandledForepunch. No heat

signature at tip, E-head“wedge” split handle.

Continued on page 5

5

THE NATURAL ANGLE is publishedto provide you with new and useful informa-tion about the industry. It is publishedthrough a cooperative effort of Vector andLiberty Horseshoe Nails, Bloom Forge,FPD, Kerckhaert Shoes, Vettec, Bellota,Mercury and your supplier.

Articles in this publication are theproperty of The Natural Angle and cannot bereprinted without express permission. Forinformation concerning reprints, pleasecontact Dan Burke, FPD, P.O. Box 1328,Shelbyville, KY 40066 or Email:fpd@farrierproducts.com.

If you have questions, comments orideas concerning the articles published inthe Natural Angle, please contact yourdistributor. We welcome your input. TheNatural Angle is designed and edited byGraphic Response. ■

The Natural Angle

We have stock available of the new Liberty 5 Slim XL nail which featuresa slightly longer length than the 5 Slim. These nails have been especiallyappealing to farriers who have been using the Delta 5 Slim, and we arehappy to make these available to you.

With features similar to the Classic Roller, this shoe is an excellent choice forhorses needing additional ease of breakover, whether for movement inperformance, or simply more comfort because of injuries or chronic ailments.This half round style boasts more ground surface than a true half round, whileallowing the ease of breakover half round shoes are noted for. The crease givestraction while not taking away from the rollover effect of the shoe.

Kerckhaert SX Roller Unclipped

Try the New Liberty 5 Slim XL Nail

Also try theLiberty 5Combo SlimCombo nails are amodification of theCity or Slim nail. The heads are slightlylarger but yet theshank is still similar to the City or Slim.They are often usedfor resetting when nailholes have enlarged or withshoes that have a widecrease. The 5 Combo Slimis longer in length and has aslightly slimmer shank thanthe Liberty 5 Combo.

5 SLIM XL (52.5mm) ⁄

Empire Farrier Supply 42065 Zevo Dr. #15

Temecula, CA 92590 877-337-3367

info@empirefarriersupply.com

ORDER ACCURACY GUARANTEED!

WE STOCK ALL MAJOR BRANDS

SPECIAL ORDERS WELCOME

5 COMBO SLIM (52.5mm) ⁄

EMPIRE FARRIER SUPPLY42065 Zevo Dr. #15, Temecula, CA 92590877-EFS-3367

info@empirefarriersupply.com

The Natural Angle

to get too hot to hold, itshould be quenched inwater. If you ever grind toa point that you get colorin the tool you may causeirreparable damage to themetal.

Take your time as you gothrough the process. If youknow the size E-head youare most likely to punchfor, then you can match thedimensions to the nailhead. A final “softening” ofthe corners of the tool will be the last step. Be sure you have checked the struck end ofthe tool in case it needs any dressing as well. This tool was practically brand new when itwas damaged so it didn’t require any work other than on the tip end. ■

We have posted a video of the repair on YouTube along with numerous other shoeing and toolrelated videos. Subscribe to the channel (www.youtube.com/farrierproducts) to get noticeas other videos are posted. You can also find tool tips in the FPD Field Guide(www.farrierproducts.com/fieldguide).

Ground back and set towork. Handle still to be

replaced.

1/2 HP Baldor from FPD with 2x36FootPro Attachment arm (shown with36 grit belt) and 10" Expander Wheel.

Continued from page 4

5 Slim XLLiberty NEW

52.5mmSlim 5 combo Liberty

52.5mm5 Slim XL

Empire Farrier Supply42065 Zevo Dr. #15Temecula, CA 92590

Return Service Requested

FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAID HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740

PERMIT NO. 184