Balance Dynamics vs. Dynamic Balance

The post "The Balance Dilemma" has been very popular. In that post I talk about the confusion associated with balancing the hoof of the horse. In other post I mention the label Dynamic Balance and how that label is defined by conventional thinking. One of the hardest things to do is break the patterns associated with a label. Fortunately the thought patterns associated with "Dynamic Balance" in my opinion are not yet fully formed. So, here I offer you, our reader something to ponder.

Dynamic Balance, can it be achieved? There is a good chance of achieving Dynamic Balance when the internal foot (Internal Arch Apparatus) is correctly suspended within the hoof capsule. I believe that the internal foot is suspended by the coronary band and its accompanying structures. The Internal Arch Apparatus (IAA) is placed in the proper position to receive the stresses induced by the stride, when the distal border of the coffin bone (P3) is at approximately a five degree inclination to the sole plane of the hoof capsule. The position of P3 however does not define the relationship the internal foot holds to the hoof capsule. Dynamic Balance is when the hoof capsule is balanced to the internal foot and not simply to the distal border of P3.

The position of P3 is ultimately a function of the whole (IAA), and should never be used in and of itself as a denominator in the equation for achieving dynamic balance. You should always remember that balancing the solar aspect of the hoof capsule to the dorsal (solar) plane of the IAA simply places P3 into the desired position within the capsule. It does not return health to the IAA. Dynamic equilibrium is defined as all structures functioning optimally at any given moment of time throughout the stride.

Deviation from the balance of the solar aspect of the hoof capsule, from that of the dorsal plane (also called the Live Sole Plane) of the IAA will result in incorrect stresses being imparted on the coronary band. This also results in abnormal stresses being placed on the ungular cartilages, ligaments, and the dermal structures, a loss of dynamic balance. Stresses resulting from incorrect balance result in conformation change of cartilage, this when elastic potential is compromised. Horn, because of its relatively low elastic potential readily conforms to the stresses imparted on it, i.e. flaring. 

Once more we need to remember the process involved here (Physiological Sequence); first we identify soft tissue changes, then dynamic tissue (horn and cartilage) change, and finally static tissue (bone) changes. It is sometimes necessary to make attempts to aid the horse in reversing this process. Working from x-rays is fine provided you apply your knowledge of physiology and don’t fall into the trap presented by static mechanics. Scrutinizing the palmar processes of the distal phalanx (P3) can help in our assessment of the ungular cartilages. Observing the health of its (P3) solar margin, and the solar canal will help us in physiological sequencing for the condition presented. Has there been long standing inflammation, evidenced by abnormal development of vascular channels? Has modeling of the tip of P3 occurred? All of this information can be used in developing a treatment protocol and ultimately formulating a prognosis.

I  spend more than 140 hours teaching physiological sequencing to our advanced level students enrolled in our level two program. X-rays can be extremely helpful in developing a hoof treatment protocol, way beyond simply balancing of the hoof.
This is not diagnosing, it is learning.

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