Effects of frog-supportive shoes on hoof kinetics in ponies

10 Shetland mares (n=5 normal weight, n=5 obese) were enrolled, then under laboratory conditions trimmed to standard before being led over pressure plates. Furthermore, Imprint Shoes® were applied to front feet and repeated leading over pressure plates immediately, then after 72 hours. Each time measuring stance duration, vertical impulse, vertical force and peak vertical force (markers for gait measurement).

This is the first study to identify that the body condition score of ponies affects its gait, with obese ponies (barefoot) showing increased loading in the heel region and experiencing slower breakover time. The researchers recognise that this may be markers of discomfort in the ponies. Frog-supportive shoes have a positive biomechanical effect. Both groups displayed gait improvement in all measures when fitted with Imprint Shoes®. Outstandingly, at 72 hours, the obese group showed no significant difference in trot to the normal weight group.