L Hopegood

Stiffness as a function of moisture content in natural materials:Characterisation of hoof horn samples

Hoof horn, which forms the capsule at the lower part of the legs of many grazing animals including equids (horses, donkeys and mules), is a composite natural material based on α-keratin. Its function is influenced by the tubular and intertubular material and is modulated by the moisture content. There is a requirement to adopt a standard approach to drying regimes and sampling protocols in order to make progress in understanding how the biomechanical properties of hoof horn are related to its structure. In this work the stiffness of donkey hoof has been examined using a three point bending technique and the effect of hydration has been investigated. Also the tubule density properties of this hoof horn material are reported.

The influence of boot design on exercise associated surface temperature of tendons in horses

Sport horses frequently injure tendons of the lower limb. Tendon boots are commonly applied for structural support and trauma prevention during competitions. However these boots may increase heat stress in the area. Two separate studies were carried out with the aim to improve understanding of the effect of boots on heat around the tendon area. Study 1 measured heat emitted from two types of boots (traditional and perforated, cross-over design) covering the superficial digital flexor tendon in 4 horses during a set ridden and lunged exercise test. Study 2, a field test, measured the effect of boot style (traditional, perforated and open fronted) on skin surface temperature in 130 horses, after completing a cross country event test (either a BE 100 three day event or a CIC* - two day short format event). An infrared thermometer was used to measure temperatures during both studies. Boots designed with perforations demonstrated greater heat emissions than traditional (non-perforated) boots (+3.5 ° C, P<0.01)...