Equine Ortho Bionomy

05/23/2024

Time to air this one again :-)

02/17/2024

Lets break down the concept of Hoof Balance!

As our industry shifts towards evidence-based practices, the quantifiction of hoof balance emerges as a topic of discussion for maintaining soundness and increasing performance. Hoof balance is a continuous debate within the farriery community, with new research adding complexity to the understanding of good practice. Achieving the optimum balance, where the horse's weight is evenly distributed over the hoof, remains a fundamental goal.

A horse's gait comprises stance and swing phases, with hoof balance intricately linked to load distribution during stance. While the swing phase is less influenced by farriery, farriers do play a large role in the stance phase. This is the moment the hoof makes contact with the ground through the moment they break over. Farriers must recognize the dynamic nature of these phases and their impact on the horse's musculoskeletal system.

Traditionally, farriers rely on visual assessments to determine hoof impacts and loadings. However, modern technologies, such as pressure plate systems, provide objective data on how hoof balance affects load distribution throughout the stance phases.

Research is relatively conclusive on dorso-palmar balance. It significantly influences biomechanics at each stage of the stance (Van Heel et al., 2004; Clayton et al., 1990), From toe-first or heel/flat landings to the strain on flexor structures at midstance and breakover.

Medio-lateral balance remains less conclusive, studies emphasize its importance in preventing uneven loading, reducing the risk of injuries (Wilson et al., 1998), however new measurements, like impulse forces, add complexity to understanding when and where balance matters most. Limb conformation adds even more complexities to how the hoof is loaded and therefore its shape..

There is far more research to be done on the topic of hoof balance, but in the meantime, you can take a deeper dive into these theories here:

https://www.theequinedocumentalist.com/post/hoof-balance-where-and-when

And watch our recent webinar The Hoof Architect on the subject…

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/understanding-hoof-morphology-1

12/31/2023

10/08/2023

So important to have joints in alignment!

10/07/2023

The 10 Most Important Things Fascia Does For Your Horse

Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and permeates all structures in the body, including muscles, bones, organs, and nerves. It’s a vital component of your horse’s body, providing structural support, facilitating movement, and playing a vital role in overall health and well-being.

Here are 10 of the most important things that fascia does for your horse - https://koperequine.com/10-most-important-things-fascia-does-for-your-horse/

10/05/2023

Drawing on 60 years of experience, master farrier Gene Ovnicek says he and other horseshoers are finally reaching a point where they can help prevent lameness with advanced hoof mapping, reduced ground surface and his newest development, the Freedom Shoe.

08/20/2023

JOIN US IN SUNNY OCALA, FLORIDA!
WEEK LONG INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
Learn / Study / Practice the art and science of Equine Ortho-Bionomy. Spots are still available!
Details are now available on our website / classes page
https://equineorthobionomy.com/pages/classes
Follow the link to overview concepts and schedule.
And, as always, contact Instructor Julie O'Neil (352-502-2994) with inquiries, questions, and to secure your spot in the workshop!

08/09/2023

JOIN US IN SUNNY OCALA, FLORIDA!
WEEK LONG INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
Learn / Study / Practice the art and science of Equine Ortho-Bionomy.
Details are now available on our website / classes page
https://equineorthobionomy.com/pages/classes
Follow the link to overview concepts and schedule.
And, as always, contact Instructor Julie O'Neil (352-502-2994) with your inquires, questions, and to secure your spot in the workshop!

05/16/2023

Congratulations to all the participants in the April 2023 Equine Ortho-Bionomy intensive. We had a great week of locating and releasing ‘brace’ through gentle positioning. Lots of deep tension was released and happy relaxed horses were the result!
A huge thank you to our hostess Becky, for allowing us to use her farm and horses.
Thank you to Kim Benson of Flying Star Stables/Saddlery and Barb Stanley of Oak and Sage Realty for allowing us to use your beautiful horses.
A special “Thank You!” to Julia Helbing, my assistant, for her support throughout the week.
Thanks to The Fiery Chef for feeding us so well…
For those that missed this class and anyone else interested in learning this bodywork, the next class is October 1-7.
Stay tuned for details to be found at:
https://equineorthobionomy.com/
Click on classes.