Whole Hoof Health

Spectrum of Usability The Spectrum of Usability is a tool used within Applied Equine Podiatry. Each structure of the hoof is examined and given a mark between 1 and 10 according to its health, 1 being very poor, and 10 being the perfect structure. This enables an overall assessment to be made, and based on each individual structure, a conditioning programme can be created.
In this way, each individual horse can have it’s own, very specific plan for encouraging correct growth and stimulus for the healthiest possible hoof. The score given is an excellent guide to decide what you can do with your horse in the meantime.
At a rough estimate, the overall score for the whole horse can be equated with age, for instance a horse that has an overall score of 2 would do no more than some light in hand work, whereas a horse that has an overall score of 5 may be hacked at varying speeds for up to an hour, over a variety of surfaces. It is vital that the Spectrum of Usability is not exceeded as this could cause damage to the hoof, pain to the horse, and may well cause deterioration and a backward step in your horse’s rehabilitation. You will be given a written record of both the Spectrum of Usability and the recommendations to keep. A new Spectrum will be done at each visit, so you can keep track of your horse’s progress.