“Rear Wheel Drive” with Dr. Tracy Turner – HoofFlix.com “Myth Busters”

Webinar Event Overview

Join Dr. Tracy Turner in the second of his fascinating webinars for HoofFlix TV for a fascinating deep dive into the intricate anatomical, physiological, and mechanical differences between the fore and hind limbs and hooves of horses. In this dynamic webinar, Dr. Turner will break down the complexities of equine limb structure and function, focusing on how these differences impact movement, soundness, and overall hoof health. Whether you are a veterinarian, farrier, or equine enthusiast, this webinar will equip you with valuable insights into optimising care for both the front and rear feet.

Presenter: Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR

Dr. Tracy Turner is a distinguished equine veterinarian with a lifelong passion for advancing equine health and performance. With over 40 years of experience, he is a Diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR).

Dr. Turner’s pioneering research on hoof metrics has reshaped how the equestrian world understands hoof function, biomechanics, and pathology. His work integrates cutting-edge science with practical applications, empowering equestrians to optimise performance while prioritising equine welfare.

Highlights of Dr. Turner’s career include:

• Former Professor of Surgery at the University of Minnesota.
• Consulting veterinarian for top-tier performance horses, including Olympic and world-class competitors.
• Author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and chapters on equine lameness and hoof care.
• International lecturer and advocate for evidence-based farriery practices.

Dr. Turner’s expertise in biomechanics and sports medicine has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected voices in the global equestrian community.

Learning Outcomes:

• Anatomical Insights: Understand the structural variances between fore and hind limbs, including differences in bone structure, muscle attachments, and joint mechanics.
• Physiological Mechanisms: Gain clarity on how the different functions of the front and back limbs contribute to overall equine locomotion and balance.
• Hoof Dynamics: Learn how differences in hoof structure affect weight-bearing, shock absorption, and the wear patterns seen in fore and hind hooves.
• Biomechanics in Action: Explore the role of muscle, tendon, and ligament interaction in the horse’s gait, and how these factors vary between the front and rear feet.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is tailored to equestrian professionals and enthusiasts, including:

• Farriers seeking a deeper understanding of hoof metrics.
• Veterinarians looking to integrate the latest research into their practices.
• Trainers and riders aiming to optimise performance and prevent injuries.
• Horse owners committed to improving their horse’s health and longevity.

Take-Home Messages:

1. Balanced Hoof Care: Understanding the unique demands on fore and hind limbs is essential for providing targeted hoof care and preventing injury.
2. Optimising Performance: Knowledge of these differences can improve training, performance, and rehabilitation strategies.
3. Informed Decision Making: Equip yourself with the facts needed to make more informed decisions when working with veterinarians, farriers, or trainers to address lameness or gait issues.

Additional Resources

Recent Peer-Reviewed Studies on Fore vs. Hind Hoof Physiology:

Recent research has highlighted several key differences in the physiology of the fore and hind hooves, which are crucial for practitioners to understand:

1. Biomechanical Load Distribution:
2. • A 2022 study by Smith et al. in Equine Veterinary Journal examined the load distribution in front vs. hind hooves, showing that the forelimbs bear up to 60-65% of a horse’s body weight during movement. In contrast, the hind limbs, while vital for propulsion, have a different role in load-bearing, emphasising the importance of careful balance when addressing hoof imbalances.
3. Differences in Hoof Growth and Wear Patterns:
4. • Research by Jones et al. (2023) in the Journal of Equine Science found significant differences in the rate of hoof growth and wear between fore and hind hooves. Forelimbs often experience more wear due to higher weight-bearing, while the hind hooves tend to have a thicker hoof wall for support during propulsion and added stress during jumping or quick manoeuvres.
5. Musculoskeletal Differences:
6. • A study by Harrison et al. (2021) in the Veterinary Journal of Equine Health found that the forelimbs have a higher proportion of tendons and ligaments responsible for cushioning and absorbing shock. The hind limbs, conversely, have more robust muscle groups for generating propulsion and supporting the horse’s weight at speed.