Horseshoe Fixation versus Hoof Colour, a Comparative Study

Relative fixation of horseshoes on black versus white hooves has long been a topic of debate. Previous research has been insufficient to fully resolve the issue. In this study, a selection of 22 shod hooves were obtained for testing. The following variables were included: horse, hoof colour, hoof location, shoe type, nail length and shoe wear. Shoes and hooves were sectioned between nails using a fine-bladed band saw. Nails were then individually extracted while measuring required force and nail displacement, from which total energy required for extraction was calculated. Results indicate that both peak extraction force and energy were more variable for dark than light hooves, but that the overall means were not significantly different. For one shoe type, there was a single light hoof in which force and energy differed significantly from a corresponding dark hoof. For the remainder of the hooves included in this study, colour did not appear to have a strong affect on the resistance to nail extraction and hence shoe fixation. A significant correlation between nail length and resistance to nail extraction was also observed.