Articles

24-Dec-2007 (Hoof,Forelimb and the Orthopaedic Balance of the Horse)

   This paper was published in the clinical section of "The Veterinarian" in May 2006 by byself Dr Rowan Kilmartin and Dr Joel Champion, please see original article for related references.

This article is a discussion of the inter-relationship of the growth of the hoof capsule a

24-Dec-2007 (An Introduction to Orthopaedic Balance in the Horse)

This article was compiled by MaryAnne Leighton recognised author of equine articles and has been published in “Australian Quarter Horse News” and “Endurance Beginner to Advanced”.  

(optimal orthopaedic balance could be the difference betwe

23-Dec-2007 (Giving A Prescription)

In this paper I will give some guidelines as to the steps you can take for rebalancing or repairing the equine hoof.  This is not an easy thing to do without having a case study in front of you to look at and analyse.  The reason being is that you need to look at the pathology to determ

16-Dec-2007 (Time To Repair)

When I am called to a new case I am always asked how long will it take to have my horse right again. This is a bit of a loaded question, because if I tell the owner it will take 2 or more years then they dont want to know about it. If I say a couple of trims or shoeing then I am the best thing si

15-Dec-2007 (What I base my techniques on)

The hoof of the horse is a superb piece of engineering and biomechanics. It carries out its function with the utmost efficiency protecting the internal structures and helping cushion the concussion on the upper body. When the hoof is compromised, for whatever reason, and it cannot cope with the s

15-Dec-2007 (Reading The Equine Hoof)

Let me start by saying that this paper is about trying to explain one of the most complex structures of the horse and that it is a long slow process to repair the equine hoof. You should also have read my other paper the "Principles of Shoeing" as it will give you the basics to understand what I

15-Dec-2007 (Basic Hoof Trimming)

In this paper I will talk about trimming the equine hoof for correct orthopaedic balance while using hoof pathology to help us make our trimming decisions.

Trimming the hoof for correct orthopaedic balance is to ensure the hoof capsule is in its correct position on distal phalanx, with t