Monday, November 24, 2014

The Balance Dilema

For centuries, the farrier student has been taught how to achieve balance in the equine foot.  Teaching the principles of balance varies greatly among teachers and schools, with this leading to an inherent problem; a multitude of difficult to define reference points being left to the interpretation of the student.  Achieving balance cannot be compared to mechanics or mathematics. It is not simply completing the formula or outlined task, as there are few true absolutes on the equine foot.  Achieving correct balance depends on one’s ability to correctly reference a multitude of factors. Though each dimension listed by tradition has been defined as an absolute, most are a misrepresentation of true balance.  Angle of hoof is one such dimension that has been badly misinterpreted.  In an effort to justify that which has been interpreted as an absolute, various measuring devices have been developed.  The farrier begins to rely on such devices and perceives the reading of the protractor, dividers, T- squares and rulers, as a means to achieve absolute balance.  
It is impossible to state an absolute such as hoof angle, and then expect anyone to use a device that uses undefined reference points to achieve the same.  The protractor and dividers for instance, use reference points that are vague; therefore, any absolute perceived is based solely on the user’s interpretation of those points.  Example: dividers use the hair line, and protractors use dorsal wall and sole surface, all of which can be deviated to the point that the only absolute that can be stated is that neither can be measured accurately with these traditional tools.  Further, traditionally we are taught to use external angles to guide us in achieving balance.  We are all aware of the angles involving shoulder to pastern in relationship to the hoofs’ dorsal wall, as outlined earlier.   Are these absolute, considering conformational defects?  What angle should the hind feet be trimmed to, in light of the fact that there is no shoulder to reference? What about dorsal wall angle to heel angle, and hairline to ground, and so on, and so on, and so on?


 It is true that with years of practice and experimentation, the farrier can capably achieve relative balance.  This is a statement often used in defense of the traditional farrier trade: “leave it to the experts; it takes a long time to learn what is needed to achieve proper hoof balance.”  There are some farriers out there that have the ability to interpret or read a hoof, and can consistently achieve static balance.  Most of these farriers will often admit haven taken many years to get to the point where they can make this claim, and the percentage to those that cannot is overwhelming in my opinion.


Just as we have seen a misinterpretation of the many natural balance theories being practiced, how traditional balance is achieved has been misinterpreted to a far greater extent.  By having so many variables being left to one’s individual interpretation, it is little wonder there has been such difficulty in defining balance.  In my opinion; the true definition of balance should be defined as dynamic equilibrium of function, resulting in the growth of proper structure, and a sound horse capable of symmetrical execution of gait.  


2 comments:

  1. I agree with your definition of balance. Dynamic equilibrium of function is what every horse owner should wish to achieve with every thing we do to care for our horse. A sound horse capable of symmetrical execution of gait is my goal and the reason I soak up everything you write. I learned about the growth of proper structure from your online course (I have a lot more to learn from you, I know). Do you believe that it is possible to combine all the physical details on proper structure to come up with a picture of what a static balanced hoof might look like only for the purpose of helping a horse owner understand in very general terms...what a hoof should look like? The majority of the horses in my area have underrun heels and without a description of what might be better, it is impossible to help them. I believe I know how you feel about static balance and angles but I am trying to find an alternative to at least help them to understand that they have a potential problem.

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  2. Susan, at the Institute a student learns the function of each individual structure, with the function of a structure assigned according to its conformation and the property of the tissue that it is made up of. . The Suspension Theory of Hoof Dynamics defines a healthy foot. Our Spectrum of Usability is a used to assess the current state of health of major structure, focusing on the model that is defined by the Suspension Theory of Hoof Dynamics. The fact remains that defining health in a foot requires the observer subscribe to a particular foot model. That being said, our Spectrum of Usability is far less valuable to those that do not subscribe to the model that it defines.. So, to answer your question: We are confident that we do know what a healthy foot should look like.Just keep in mind that one person’s picture of health is another person’s…… well let’s just say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Its all about what model you subscribe to.
    Horse owner courses and on-line modules of study are helpful in developing an understanding of foot health from our perspective. You may also find this post of interest. http://theperfecthoof.blogspot.com/2014/11/solving-hoof-problems-laterally.html

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