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.