The Hoof Architect

© Ula Krzanowska / The Hoof Architect 2024–2026. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, adaptation, or derivative works (including redrawn diagrams or similar concepts without attribution) prohibited without written permission. This content, including original observations, biomechanical interpretations, and diagrams, was first publicly presented by the author at the 4th International Congress on Equine Podiatry, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, May 16–18, 2024. Introduction Hoof balance is one of those topics that never seems to lose relevance — and never seems to reach consensus. Ask ten professionals what a “balanced hoof” is, and you will likely hear ten different answers. With modern technology, we now have numerous ways to investigate equine locomotion and hoof biomechanics; yet, many fundamental questions still remain unanswered. Over the years, numerous systems have been developed to enhance the repeatability of hoof assessment. Specific angles, rat...

We keep reading about rotation everywhere. It is being brought up when talking about laminitis, about trimming, about DDFT tension. Interestingly, when we analyse closely, we realise that people use that term to describe a couple of totally different parameters of the hoof: some people refer to the palmar/plantar angle, some to the phalangeal alignment, and some to the P3/dorsal wall alignment.  So what is rotation, what does this term really refer to? Despite this word being used so commonly, there is so much chaos and misunderstanding surrounding it. And those misunderstandings feed even more misunderstandings and create more chaos. So let's first break it down. 1. 'Rotation' meaning hyperpositive PA? 2. 'Rotation' meaning broken forward HPA/flexed coffin joint? 3. 'Rotation' meaning misalignment between the dorsal edge of P3 and dorsal hoof wall? A set of 6 very different x-rays with the 3 different 'rotations' marked. Which parameter should we re...