Heel First Landings

I’m still hooked on hooves - so this week’s post is all about the biomechanics of the hoof!

When we walk, we land with our heels first. The soft fat pad under our calcaneus combined with the flattening of the arch helps to cushion the impact as the foot contacts the ground. As we roll over our toes, the arch raises and the soft tissue structures are stretched, which creates a more rigid foot to push off with. (This is called the windlass mechanism.)

hoof health, biomechanicsBarbara ParksNovember 4, 2019hoof, horse, heel first landing, heel first, toe first, toe first landing, biomechanics Comments