Case study: How the farrier test prevented a competition problem

Last autumn, just three days before an important competition, Marusya’s horse was reshod.

During the competition (in the city of Manerbio AL.CLE. AED – Konjeniški center https://palasturla.it/ ), the horse suddenly showed signs of lameness.
To understand the cause, the Farrier Test was launched in the HorseCare system.

The data clearly showed that the front right leg moved significantly differently compared to previous measurements taken before the shoeing.

The farrier was called back to check the horse.
After reviewing the results, he corrected the mistake made during the shoeing — the shoe was replaced and the hoof was trimmed properly.

The rider was then able to successfully compete without further issues.

HorseCare team member Marusya Dyvinets became one of the prize winners at the Italian Open Championship in Monterbello, taking 3rd place.

A new routine after every shoeing

After this incident, a new post-shoeing protocol was introduced.

Immediately after the farrier’s work, the horse is evaluated on the lunge:
3 minutes at walk, 3 minutes at trot, and 3 minutes at canter in each direction.
The Farrier Test is then performed right away in the HorseCare system.

Some owners and trainers who pay especially close attention to detail also repeat the same check on two different types of footing — soft and hard ground.

In one case, the system showed a borderline result in the yellow zone.
Although the horse showed no visible signs of lameness, the farrier was asked to inspect that leg more closely.

After removing the new shoe, he made a small correction to the hoof trim and the shoe placement.

What this case shows

This example clearly demonstrates how shoeing directly affects hoof impact and gait mechanics.

Different shoeing methods can significantly change the stiffness of ground contact, which in turn affects the load placed on the horse’s musculoskeletal system.