Original Research
The Forelimb and Hoof Conformation in a Population of Mongolian Horses

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Abstract

This article describes the lower limb and hoof conformation of a population of semi-feral Mongolian horses living on an open tundra/steppe environment. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 120 Mongolian horses used in the 2011 Mongolian Derby. Digital images of the hooves were obtained, and the lower limb conformation was assessed by four veterinarians involved in the screening of the horses offered for the derby. The horses were predominantly geldings (96%, 100/104), approximately 8.6 ± 2.5 years old, and 137 ± 8 cm at the withers. None of the horses were subjected to routine hoof trimming. Based on a 7-point linear score, lower limb conformation was normal, with a trend (>1 linear score deviation) slightly toward carpal valgus, mildly offset cannon (third metacarpal), and valgus at the matacarpophalangeal joint. Hoof measurements were within the norm for horses of this size. Fetlock valgus was associated with a smaller hoof width:length ratio (P = .016). None of the other hoof measurements were significantly associated with abnormal conformation scores. Overall, few conformation abnormalities were observed, and hoof shape and size was within the normal expected range for horses of this size. The hoof conformation in this population of Mongolian horses represented the natural interaction of the hoof with the environment.

Introduction

Ideal hoof and lower limb conformation has been the subject of much attention within the technical manuals and the lay equine literature [1], [2]. Much of this information has been the result of the observations and associations identified by equine practitioners over many years. However, there is little scientific or empirical evidence to support the ideal hoof and limb conformation proposed. Only recently, in relation to our domestication and use of the horse, we have had the ability to measure the forces and loads within the hoof and lower limb or the data collection and statistical techniques to quantify risk factors for injury [3], [4] or longevity [5]. These data provide an understanding of the effect of different trimming and shoeing techniques [6] and also a scientific framework around which we can examine and quantify current practice [7].

Often the feral or wild horse population is promoted as the “gold standard” for hoof conformation [8]. A pattern of trimming and hoof conformation has been developed from observations of feral horses in semi-arid environments. Recent data have indicated that hoof shape and conformation is a by-product of genetics and the environment [4], [9], [10]. In semi-arid environments, hoof shape and conformation is relatively homogeneous [8], [9]; however, a wide range in hoof conformation has been reported in the presence of a softer substrate and an environment with easy access to pasture and water [9]. This heterogeneity in conformation was greater than that expected owing to the seasonal patterns of natural hoof trimming [11], reported gross asymmetry within feet, altered mediolateral balance, long toes, and large wall flares [9].

Exercise has also been implicated in altering hoof conformation, with racehorses in work having a decrease in hoof circumference during training [12], [13]. Modern management systems reduce access to free exercise, which has implications for development of the equine musculoskeletal system [14]. Within modern management systems, such as confinement within a yard or a loose box, it is reported that horses will travel only 1.1 (range: 0.2-1.9) km/d compared with an average of 15.9 ± 1.9 km/d for feral horses [15]. In a feral environment, this free access to exercise would encourage a different type of hoof conformation compared with that observed with domesticated horses within intensive management systems.

Within intensive management systems, the farrier attempts to provide optimal hoof balance in relation to the lower limb conformation. It is important that hoof shape and conformation is interpreted in relation to the lower limb conformation [16]. To date, it seems there are limited reports within the literature regarding the effect of deviations from the ideal lower limb conformation and the association of these with hoof shape and conformation. The Mongolian horse provides a unique model of a horse managed under semi-feral environment with little to no hoof care or intensive husbandry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the typical lower limb and hoof conformation in a population of Mongolian native horses maintained on an open tundra environment and to investigate the association of lower limb conformation with hoof conformation and shape.

Section snippets

Materials and Methods

Data were collected as part of a convenience sample of horses offered for the 2011 Mongolian Derby: a 1,000-km race where riders travel the entire distance but each horse is ridden only on one occasion for a distance of approximately 40 km. Digital images of hooves and linear assessment of lower limb conformation were collected by four veterinarians involved in the screening of the horses offered for the riders during the derby.

The Mongolian native horses were from the Töv, Övörkhangai,

Results

Demographic data and initial images of 120 horses were collected from a pool of approximately 630 horses offered for the derby. Complete digital images of hooves suitable for analysis were available for 104 horses. These horses had a mean age of 8.6 ± (SD) 2.5 years and were approximately 137 ± (SD) 8 cm. Most of the horses were geldings (96%; 100/104), 2% were stallions, and 2% were mares. No owner reported providing routine hoof care or trimming. The majority of the horses were ridden once a

Discussion

This article describes the lower limb and hoof conformation in a population of semi-extensively managed Mongolian horses ridden in the Mongol Derby. The aim of the study was to describe the typical lower limb and hoof conformation and to investigate the association of lower limb conformation with hoof conformation and shape. Overall, there was limited variation within the population, with most horses being scored with normal conformation. Additionally, there was a lack of significant changes

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the assistance of Sarah Simpson, Jess Dicks, and Tom Ovendale with data capture, and Hazel George and Sabine Schalk for assistance with data management.

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