The diagram illustrates the straining effect that studs (a) fitted to the heels of a shoe (b) can cause. The first point of damage is to the coronary band directly above the stud where, due to the uneven pressure, the horn tissue is shunted upwards. This strain then continues from the dorsal wall on up to the leg affecting the pastern, fetlock, knee, shoulder and back (d) (e).
This is what happens when a horse stands on a hard surface with one stud (b) in the shoe (a).
The initial impact travels up to the coronary band (d) which causes a strain on the opposite wall area (c). This shock wave is then transmitted up the leg in alternate medial and lateral strains.
The diagram shows the shoe with a stud digging in the ground (a). If the going conditions impede the action of the horse it important to know the use of studs will have on the horse’s foot, and where the force inside the foot is absorbed.
Primarily, it is absorbed at the laminae attachment in the dorsal area, except when the horse is turning, when it will more on the lateral or medial attachment.
Text and diagrams taken from ‘The Horse’s Foot and Related Problems’ by Robbie Richardson RSS
