Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green recently conducted a study to determine Cavallo Trek boots' effects on hoof pressure distribution. Science student, Gabriella Lynn chose Trek boots precisely because of the full coverage of the hoof, and suitable tread for riding over rough ground.
Horses running in paddock
The study measured both impacts to bare hoofs and horses' hooves protected with Trek Boots.
© 2017 by Sari ONeal
At the time of the study, Cavallo Horse and Rider, the maker of the Trek Boots, were not aware that the study existed and that their boots had been chosen to take part. Lynn presented her findings at the 2019 Equine Science Society Symposium, held June 3-6 in Asheville, North Carolina.
This new study measured pressure distribution as horses walked over Fujifilm Low Prescale Film. Fuji, Prescale is a unique film tool that “reveals the distribution and magnitude of pressure between any two contacting, mating, or impacting surfaces." The study measured both impacts to bare hoofs, and hooves protected with Trek Boots.
Asphalt and crushed stone were the platforms used as aggressive hard surfaces for this testing. The color film images revealed pressure over the hoof wall and sole, as well as minimum and maximum pressure, mean pressure, size of contact area, and force. After analyzing the results, Lynn observed that hoof boots created more low-pressure regions on the film than bare feet. Meaning, "that hoof boots absorbed more force and distributed more pressure upon impact," says Lynn.
To read more about The Western Kentucky University study, please read the article HERE: https://thehorse.com/177314/hoof-boots-can-protect-barefoot-trail-horses-feet
While the Cavallo Trek Style Hoof Boot was the featured boot in the study, all Cavallo Hoof Boots construction is consistently on the same durable, shock-absorbing soles. Horses that use Cavallo Hoof Boots benefit from the shock-absorbing, weight distributing, and pressure minimizing features of these technically advanced hoof boots.
Here is what one foremost authority on this topic has to say. Robert Bowker, DVM quoted in Horse & Rider, Feb. 2006 said, "The blood in horses' feet does much more than provide nutrients to hoof tissues. It also enables the unshod foot to function as a hydraulic system, in much the same way that gel-filled athletic shoes do.... Horseshoes provide a much smaller surface area to absorb shock. So, if a bare hoof landing after jump experiences, say, 1,000 pounds of loading per square foot, then with a traditional shoe, there is going to be 2,000 pounds per square foot."
Visit https://www.cavallo-inc.com to learn about the full line of hoof boots. Want more info? Sign up here for our free newsletter: https://www.cavallo-inc.com/email-signup-AHP. Call (877) 818-0037 from the USA or Canada or call direct, (604) 740-0037.
Press release provided by Jenny - Cavallo Horse and Rider