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Determination of coefficient of friction between the equine foot and different ground surfaces: an in vitro study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2006

Nicolas J Vos  and
Dirk J Riemersma
Nicolas J Vos
Affiliation:
University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College, 550 University Avenue, Prince Edward Island CIA 4P3, Canada
Dirk J Riemersma
Affiliation:
Traberpark ‘Den Heyberg’, B299 Kevelaer, Germany
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Abstract

Slippery surfaces are a continuous concern in equine veterinary practice during both treatment and orthopaedic work-ups, especially when horses have to trot on circles. Sliding of the equine foot on the ground with the potential of injury is prevented if the horizontally acting accelerating or decelerating forces on the foot do not exceed maximal friction. Friction can be calculated and therefore anticipated if the coefficient of friction (μ) between the foot of the horse and the particular ground surface is known. Friction between shod and unshod cadaver equine hooves and different ground surfaces (concrete, tarmac and rubber) was determined by pulling the hooves horizontally in a uniform motion. Horizontal forces (Fh) were measured on a force plate and with a portable digital electronic force meter. The coefficient of friction (μ) was calculated as the quotient between Fh and the gravity force (N) of the object, hence: μ = Fh /N. This study has shown that the coefficient of friction between equine hooves and a specific ground surface can be determined using a portable digital force meter or a force plate. Friction significantly depended not only on the type of surface but also on shoeing of the equine foot. Bare feet showed more friction with the hard surfaces (bricks and tarmac), the shod feet showing more friction with the rubber surfaces. Coefficients of friction could be used to estimate the possibility of injuries occurring in the equine industry during exercise and/or lameness or pre-purchase examinations.

Keywords

frictionfeetequinegroundsurface
Type
Research Paper
Information
Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology , Volume 3 , Issue 4 , November 2006 , pp. 191 - 198
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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