Re: Easyboots - shock abosrbtion

["Robert Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Duncan:

Let's take that one thing at a time.

<<<Assuming the foot does indeed slide (and my understanding is that while
hinds tend to slide, fores do not), >>>

That is no assumption that is field observation over many thousands of miles
and many horses. It is most recognizable at the extended trot (common to
most endurance horses) it does not manifest itself as much in the show ring
where vertical action is more pronounced but can be seen by the careful
observer.

<<<that can dissipate only the forward portion of the ground impact
(assuming level ground). >>>

I cannot disprove this, but the "total shock" to the hoof and limb is
considerably lessened since the forward motion component of the load is
considerably greater than the vertical. However, once the hoof has landed
the vertical component increases in order to get the rebound action from the
fetlock carrying the horse forward.

<<<Anyone want to take a stab at the relative levels of those two components
at the various gaits.>>>

My educated guess is that at the walk the vertical component is equal to or
greater than the horizontal. At any other gait for an endurance horse it
will be greater in the horizontal plane.

Realize these are my opinions only. I could be proven wrong.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
-----Original Message-----
From: Duncan Fletcher <dfletche@gte.net>
To: Robert Morris <bobmorris@rmci.net>; Truman Prevatt
<truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>; RideCamp <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Sunday, November 08, 1998 2:45 PM
Subject: Re: Easyboots - shock abosrbtion


>Assuming the foot does indeed slide (and my understanding is that while
>hinds tend to slide, fores do not), that can dissipate only the forward
>portion of the ground impact (assuming level ground). The vertical
component
>of impact is unaffected by sliding. Anyone want to take a stab at the
>relative levels of those two components at the various gaits.
>
>Duncan Fletcher
>dfletche@gte.net
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Robert Morris <bobmorris@rmci.net>
>
>
>Interesting thing this discussion about Easy Boots
>
>Truman, your consideration of vibration; I think this might be somewhat
true
>for most gaits IF the horse is one that has high action where the foot is
>landing directly on the ground. However, it has been my experience that
most
>efficient endurance horses do not waste effort in unduly high action (more
>the other way) and even at a walk the hoof encounters a sliding action
>during the landing process.
>
>I believe this dissipates considerable shock and subsequent vibration. Yes,
>I have heard all the expert farriers state the foot lands flat and does not
>slide but then after questioning them individually they admit they are
>thinking of horses in the show ring.
>
>If you doubt my conjecture, have someone take a video of your horse and
then
>slow it down to a frame at a time.  You will also, if the video is of good
>quality, find the hoof does not strike flat (in a properly shod hoof) but
>most likely on the outside rear quarter and then rolls flat and breaks over
>the outside front quarter. Videos must be of very good quality but if they
>are you will be able to see this in most well conditioned endurance horses.
>
>The degree of action on the outside quarters is very slight but it is there
>and I feel that this serves, as I mentioned previously, to dissipate shock
>and vibration.
>
>Remember, the feral horse runs on quite rough and hard ground with minimal
>problems.
>
>Bob Morris
>Morris Endurance Enterprises
>Boise, ID
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Truman Prevatt <truman.prevatt@netsrq.com>
>To: RideCamp <ridecamp@endurance.net>
>Date: Friday, November 06, 1998 12:08 PM
>Subject: Re: Easyboots - shock abosrbtion
>
>
>>Niccolai,
>>
>>Is the biggest benefit of an easy boot, the absorbtion of concussion or
>>the damping of vibration.  Back in my tennis day I remember the doctor
>>telling me the biggest cause of my "tennis elbo" was vibration from the
>>racket which was absorbed in my arm.
>>
>>I would think that on hard surfaces - especially with steel shoes, the
>>damping of vibration  of the easyboots would be very beneficial to the
>>horse.
>>
>>What do you think?
>>
>>Truman
>>
>>
>>--
>>Truman Prevatt
>>Mystic “The Horse from Hell” Storm
>>Rocket a.k.a. Mr. Misty
>>Jordy a.k.a. Bridger (when he is good)
>>Danson Flame - hey dad I'm well now and ready to go!
>>
>>Brooksville, FL
>>
>>
>
>
>
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