05/30/2021
Moon Theories
Linus Paulin, Nobel Price in physics, defines scientific research as the search for truth. The search for truth involves the two sides of the story. When science is used to promote one side only, this is not science. The thought that hoof adjustments can coordinates the whole horse's physique is moon theories. They might work in low gravity. There is no question that proper balance influences the horse's whole physique, but gravity does not go up; gravity works from the back down to the legs and hooves. Thoracolumbar dysfunction induces forces that alter the integrity of the structures when they act in the wrong direction, duration, intensity, and frequency.
When the subject of a new study linking negative palmar angle to SIJ came in our Science of Motion Farrier Corner, I warned about the phrasing, as riders always look for a way that does not engage their responsibility. The possible influence will turn into a miracle cure. The referenced research might be new, but not the idea. Dr. Elizabeth Uhl, DVM Ph.D. ACVP frequently talks about the effects of the palmar in her researches and to her students. We regularly discuss the importance of the palmar angle for many other subjects. Dr. Gian Piero Brigati DVM obtained spectacular results correcting the palmar angle, but not just correcting the palmar angle. His therapeutic approach addresses the riding and specific gymnastics.
There is no question that proper hoof balance is primordial for soundness and performance. There is equally no question that the loading of the leg and hoof resulting from thoracolumbar dysfunction cancel any benefit of proper hoof adjustment. The Skeleton that I use for study and illustrations has eight lumbar vertebrae. The usual number is six. The specimen has eight lumbar vertebrae but only five transverse processes. The abnormality caused serious instability problems. Nature tried to recreate stability by fusing several vertebrae and transverse processes. The picture shows a view from the right side, the top, and the left side. I tilted the pelvis for the picture to show the fusion of the sixth, seventh, and eighth lumbar vertebrae.
Gravity is a powerful force, which in motion became accelerations of gravity. The Thoracolumbar spine's muscular system, connected with the whole system of muscles, tendons, aponeurosis, fascia, manages forces including accelerations of gravity. From the cells to gross anatomy, the system is a marvel of complexity.
There are systems within a system, within a system, which have to work in efficient harmony. There is a knowledge that we owe to the horse, the farrier's knowledge, and the rider's knowledge. They have to work for the horse's benefit. When a farrier pretends or suggests that the whole horse can be coordinated by balancing the hoof, the farrier has limited knowledge and renders a great disservice to both the horse and the rider.
Look at the enormous work of bone fusion that nature had to do for this horse. There is a difference between the fusing of the right side and the left side. This was likely related to uneven latero-flexion and transversal forces. It is predictable that such unevenness influenced hoof deformation. It would be naïve to pretend that rebalancing the muscular system could have prevented the fusion. It would be equally naïve to suggest that balancing the hoof could have improved the problem. I hope that during his lifetime, the horse benefited from correct hoof balance and proper physical education. By physical education, I mean proper riding and training.
This is a severe problem, but now that I have your attention, I can talk about an easier problem such as for example kissing spine. The Science of Motion approach to kissing spine identifies and corrects the thoracolumbar spine dysfunction causing intermittent contact of the dorsal spines. More precisely, the muscular imbalance causing the dysfunction. Very often, the imbalance originates from inverted rotation. Lateral bending is always coupled with an axial rotation. Proper rotation shifts the dorsal spines toward the inside of the bend. Inverted rotation shifts the dorsal spines toward the outside of the bend. This is not a saddle problem; this is not a shoeing problem; it is a muscle imbalance that can easily be corrected by adequate riding and training. Proper hoof balance is necessary but does not correct the problem. In fact, what is commonly referred to as muscle memory is how the premotor and parietal areas, acting as coaches, shape the commands coming from the motor cortex. (Scott Grafton, Physical Intelligence). The education needs to concentrate on the whole system, muscular, neuromuscular. It is complex and includes the proper frequency, teaching the primary back muscles to convert the hind legs thrust into greater upward force. The central pattern generators have to be reeducated. This includes proper hoof balance but does not result from roper hoof balance.
Thoracolumbar spine dysfunction and consequent limb kinematics abnormalities and associated injuries can be corrected. The kinematics abnormality is there first. The correction demands correcting palmar angle or other hoof imbalance and the thoracolumbar dysfunction. One needs the other, but the fields of actions are different. Moon theories are from another planet.
Jean Luc
