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Equine study reveals insights into hoof-ground interactions
"We were particularly intrigued to find that the horses and jockeys we studied appeared to operate within displacement limits" - Dr Kate Horan.
Findings could help to prevent injuries in equines and jockeys.

Horseshoes and ground surface conditions can significantly impact the upper body movements of horses and their riders, according to new research.
 
Horseshoes influence how horses’ hooves interact with different ground surfaces during the impact, loading and push-off phases of a stride cycle. As such, different horse-surface combinations could affect the magnitude and stability of movement patterns in horses and jockeys. 

In the study, researchers measured the stability of movement patterns in horse-jockey combinations using inertial sensing technology. Four shoeing conditions – aluminium, barefoot, GluShu and steel – were trialled on turf and artificial surfaces. 

Dr Kate Horan, a postdoctoral research assistant at the RVC, said of the research: “We were particularly intrigued to find that the horses and jockeys we studied appeared to operate within displacement limits, in an attempt to maintain stability in different shoe and surface conditions. 

“Work of this nature may ultimately enable us to become prophylactic with regards to reducing the risk of falls, improving horse comfort, and preventing catastrophic injuries in equine athletes and their jockeys.”

The first-of-its-kind study, published in PLOS ONE, used 13 retired racehorses and two jockeys from the British Racing School. Sensor technology was fitted to the girth of the horses, at the pelvis of the jockeys, and the four shoeing conditions. 
 
Dr Horan added: “It has been really exciting to be part of a team investigating the impact of farriery interventions on horse and jockey movement dynamics. We have demonstrated that a consideration of horseshoes and surfaces is paramount if we are to begin to understand the complexity of horse and jockey movements, and how they interact during high-speed locomotion.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."