AHA^SM Annual Convention

EQUINE STRESS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (ESRE) HALF-ARABIAN HOOF AND SHOE RESEARCH STUDY

The following enclosed materials are supporting documents from a research study that was completed at the 2002 U.S. National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show in October at Louisville, Kentucky by the Equine Stress/Research & Education Committee (ESRE).

This survey was initiated because Resolution 22-01 was referred to ESRE. ESRE had no supporting documents or evidence to determine a recommendation for this resolution, therefore, Chairman Myron Krause had requested a Research Study be completed. ESRE does not base their decisions on opinions but only factual information.

ESRE has accumulated previous hoof and shoe research studies, information since the appointment of the chairman in 1995 as follows:

1. New Hope for Soundness done by Gene Ovnicek.
2. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology done by British Veterinary Orthopedic Assn.
3. IAHA Hoof Study done in 1988.
4. Hoof and Shoe Kaegi Gait Analysis study done Texas A&M.
5. Shoe Weight Research Study done by ESRE in 1995.
6. Footing Publication done by USDF.
7. Equine Joint Disease done by North American Veterinary Conference in 1999.
8. Hoof/Shoe Pad Research Study done by ESRE in 1996.
9. Stabled Horses Bone Growth done by Michigan State University.
10. Club Feet done by Les Sellnow in 1998.
11. Banding Shoes Research Study done by ESRE in 1998.
12. Half-Arabian Hoof/Shoe/Size Research Study done by ESRE in 2002.

The purpose of the ESRE Research Study was to determine the actual current average size of the majority of Half-Arabian horse being shown and if the current rule governing the shoe and hoof size is adequate. ESRE’s responsibility of making decisions should only be for the welfare of the horse and not to increase stress on horses, therefore, any decisions influenced by personal preferences, trends or action are considered inappropriate and not in the best interest of the horse.  The desired motion of a horse’s way of going varies by discipline and often changes by the desire of the public and trends. 

It is NOT the responsibility of ESRE to determine if shoeing or hoof length is adequate according to the desire of movement and/or motion but is it adequate for the support of a horse.  All previous scientific data proves that adding hoof length and weight to a horses normal hoof adds stress to any horse, which is indisputable evidence but the question we face is can Half-Arabian horses be shown shoed with adequate therapeutic support in accordance with the rules?

ESRE previously recognized the dilemma that Half-Arabian horses could be of any breed cross, in other words they could be half pony or half Saddlebred, etc., which would be two very different size horses, therefore, requiring two very different ways of shoeing.  How can you establish one rule to fit all horses keeping in mind what is best for the horse?  ESRE decided the best way to determine the actual size of the majority of Half-Arabian horses being shown would be to determine the size of the top winning horses in the show ring today because this is the rule that governs these horses.  Our industry crowns the best show horse in each discipline at the U.S. Nationals, therefore, we thought it appropriate that the research study take place at this venue.

The survey was done at the U.S. Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky with 52 potential Half-Arabian classes to survey.  We surveyed a total of 58 horses in 34 different classes.

The survey was done by the official USAE Steward using official measuring devices and the official Show Farrier.  All measurements were exact calculations except the weight of the horses.  The weight was an estimate, we had no scale to weigh the horse.  An Official ESRE form was used, filled out and signed for every horse.

Every exhibitor was asked if they would take part in the survey and 100% agreed to participate.  All National Champions were recorded as well as one random horse which could be the Reserve National Champion.  The following information was obtained:  horse height; horse weight; weight of the shoe; hoof length with shoes and pads on; hoof length barefoot; number of pads; pad thickness; what material and type of pads; type of shoe; discipline horse shown in.

There are supporting documents including forms, charts, spreadsheets, etc. for the following synopsis.  All of the documents are available for public inspection but are not attached to the final report because of the volume of material.  The following are facts taken from the survey and put into a usable information source.

THE THREE LARGEST HORSES AND THE THREE SMALLEST HORSES SURVEYED
HORSE	HORSE	SHOE	HOOF	BAREFOOT	PAD	PAD	TYPE OF SHOE	DISCIPLINE
HEIGHT	WEIGHT	WEIGHT	LENGTH	HOOF LENGTH		MATERIAL
16-3	1275	13.05	4 3/8	3 5/8	N/A	N/A	FLAT STEEL W/CLIPS & STUDS	JUMP
16-2	1250	11.25	4 1/8	3 3/8	N/A	N/A	FLAT STEEL W/CLIPS & STUDS	JUMPER
16-2	1300	6	4 1/2	?	1	RIM PAD	ALUMINUM	DRESSAGE
14-3	800	13.45	4 1/2	3 3/4	2		1/8 FLAT, 3/4 WEDGE TOE WEIGHTED	PARK
14-3	930	10.55	4	3 1/2	N/A	N/A	FLAT PLATE	WEST. PLEASURE
15	900	13.75	4 1/4	4	2		FLAT AND WEDGE, TOE WEIGHT W/BAR	COUNTRY DRIVING

THE AVERAGE OVERALL HALF-ARABIAN
HORSE	HORSE	SHOE	HOOF
HEIGHT	WEIGHT	WEIGHT	LENGTH
15-2	1067	12.22	4 3/8

THE AVERAGE HORSE OVERALL IN EACH DISCIPLINE CATEGORY
HORSE	HORSE	SHOE	HOOF	DISCIPLINE
HEIGHT	WEIGHT	WEIGHT	LENGTH
15-3	1087	13.65	4 1/2	ENGLISH PLEASURE
16	1116	12.61	4 1/2	HUNTER PLEASURE
16-2	1175	11.21	4 1/4	OVER FENCES
15-2	1015	13.12	4 3/8	HALTER
16-1	1150	8.94	4 3/8	DRESSAGE
15-25/8	1085	12.19	4 3/8	WESTERN PLEASURE
15-1	1100	11.11	4 1/4	WORKING WESTERN

The ESRE Committee wishes to express a special thank you to all those that participated in the survey including exhibitors, USAE Stewards, especially Dorothy Leggett Trapp and Ron Rhodes, Scottsdale Farrier Service and the U.S. National Show Commission.

Sincerely,

Myron Krause, Chair

Equine Stress/Research & Education Committee