Posted by TE Couch on September 29, 2003 at 08:24:21:
In Reply to: frog pressure and lameness posted by Pat Le Pera on September 28, 2003 at 23:36:19:
: I have been having a discussion w/ someone at my barn who is adamant that there should be no frog pressure. She cites articles that refer to studies of wild horses feet that show frogs not touching the ground - therefore, no frog pressure. This seems counter to what I had learned in an anatomy/biomechanics class and also it seems counter intuitive. Shouldn't the frog be flush w/ the plane of the bottom of the hoof in order to add cushioning and aid in circulation processes? Any opinions? Pat
The feral hooves I have seen appear to have the rear part of the frog on the ground - then depending on terrain and weight bearing further parts forward would be involved.
Maybe she is talking about Gene O, hooves which were painted and placed on a board showing contact in a non weight bearing state? This would not show how a hoof bears weight or what part if any of the frog would bear weight. If this is what she is referring to she should go back and read more as I understand a large goal is to get the rear of the hoof including the frog weight bearing - Patty may chime in here.
TE