Barefoot by the Numbers: Swedish Standardbred trotters are faster without shoes, but risk breaking gait

Researchers at Sweden's University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at Uppsala have analyzed the performance records of trotting Standardbreds based on varied configurations of fully shod,  front or hind shoes only, or without shoes entirely. 

HoofSearch Publishes Online Donkey Hoof Research Guides Published with Free Access for All

HoofSearch, the index of equine foot research, has released an updated resource guide to peer-reviewed articles and theses on donkey hoof science and lameness studies. The index is free and accessible online to anyone interested in monitoring advances in donkey hoof health or improving the soundness-related welfare of working donkeys.

Evidence-based laminitis research audio file summarizes equine digital pulse and hoof wall temperature data

Have a quick listen to the newest RCVS Knowledge summary of EBVM-related laminitis research.

100 Years Ago in Hoof Science: Quittor was the urban horse's biggest foot problem

HoofSearch, the index of equine hoof research, has been compiling a bibliography that documents the progress of hoof science on a year by year basis. What were the leading publications back in 1919, and who were the authors?

One hundred years ago, the world was sighing in relief with the end of World War I, even though the Treaty of Versailles wouldn't be signed until June. Veterinary and farrier journals were thin. In fact, it's difficult to find much that was published on the horse's foot in 1919; much more attention was paid to infectious diseases like glanders. Nonetheless, what was published is worth detailing here.

New HoofSearch documents give busy equine professionals a one-stop lifeline to newly-published global research

The time has come: After almost two years in the incubator (and the library), a new service is finally available to all. HoofSearch is a little on the nerdy side; it is designed for those of you interested in research--and eager to keep up with it. The press release below explains all you need to know about this new project. If you are truly interested in the science side of hoofcare and lameness, I hope you will subscribe. If you decide not to, you'll still have The Hoof Blog, and I'll always be here for you.

--Fran Jurga