Letter to the Editor: Bill Casner

Editor's note: Bill Casner, a long-time participant in many facets of racing, is probably best known for founding WinStar Farm with Kenny Troutt and winning the 2010 GI Kentucky Derby with Super Saver. Among Casner's many roles in the sport have been founding director of the Race for Education and Kentucky Equine Education Program (KEEP). He has sold his interest in WinStar to Troutt and currently operates as Casner Racing.

Horse racing is in a firestorm. We are at survival tipping point. The decisions that are made in the short term will determine whether horseracing can endure as we know it. The American public has no tolerance for what they perceive as a sport that is immersed in carnage. I commend Churchill Downs for suspending racing to take a hard look at their future and to explore solutions that will be significant in mitigating breakdowns and restoring confidence to our fans.

The one decision that would be a major game changer is to convert the racing surface at Churchill Downs to synthetic. In the released 2022 The Jockey Club (TJC) Equine Injury Database (EID) for the year 2021, injuries on dirt were 1.44 per 1,000 horse starts. Turf injuries were 0.99 per 1,000. Injuries on synthetic were vastly diminished with 0.41 per 1,000. This data shows that synthetic surfaces are 3.5 times safer than dirt and 2.2 times safer than turf. These stats are compelling in showing the exponential safety of today's synthetic surfaces over dirt and turf.

The data is compelling but it doesn't tell “WHY” synthetic tracks are safer. Back in 2006, I chaired the shoeing committee for TJC Welfare and Safety Summit. We were tasked to examine the safety of toe grabs which Dr. Sue Stover at UC Davis had shown to significantly contribute to breakdowns. We employed sophisticated high-speed cameras with a closed group of nine horses provided by Chris McCarron's jockey school to understand why toe grabs were contributing to breakdowns. We filmed the hoof's contact with the racing surface using a variety of shoes with varying toe grab lengths on both dirt surfaces and Keeneland's synthetic track.

The results were dramatic. What we learned was the effect of “slide” on the lower limb of the horse. With Queen's Plates, the front foot has an average slide on dirt of 3 1/2 to 5 inches. The average slide on synthetic was 1 1/2 inches. Slide is important to understand. It's the “give” in a horse's stride. The increased length of slide on dirt causes two things to happen. First, it magnifies torque on a horse's lower limb. If a horse “toes in” the limb incurs torque medially because of the increased forces on the outside of the hoof. If they toe out, then the torque is lateral with the increased forces on the inside of the foot. And when horses step in holes on a dirt track, the torque can go either way. This doesn't happen on synthetic tracks because of the shorter slide which greatly diminishes torque. Also, a horse's foot is always landing flat on a synthetic surface as opposed to the cuppy holes that cover a dirt track. Synthetic also provides a much higher energy absorption than dirt with a higher energy return.

The second important factor that we were able to measure was the magnified load on the pastern that was presented on dirt. Because of the exaggerated slide and delayed break over on dirt, the pastern continues to load through the stride, increasing its drop by as much as an inch over synthetic. We were also able to see this increased load when horses landed in the “holes” created on dirt tracks.

As you can visualize, the increased load or drop of the pastern creates excessive strains on the suspensory apparatus of the horse's lower limbs magnifying the opportunity for a catastrophic failure. When a horse blows out its suspensory apparatus in a race it leads to a broken leg in the next few strides.

Suspensory and tendon injuries are extremely rare on synthetic but occur way more frequently on dirt because of these magnified strains.

The videos also exposed how lethal toe grabs were on all surfaces. They were especially detrimental on synthetic because they abruptly stopped the foot not allowing any slide. This is why trainers were experiencing rear-end injuries early on because they were continuing to use toe grabs on the rear feet.

Sarah Andrew

Catastrophic break downs are rarely caused by one bad step although this is more likely on dirt. As most orthopedic surgeons will testify, they are the result of cumulative microscopic injuries that accrue with the thousands of steps a horse accumulates in training and racing. It's the laws of physics. Excessive torque and loads on a horse's legs will eventually take its toll. With a synthetic surface these strains are greatly diminished and a horse's natural ability to remodel its bone will repair and strengthen it at a cellular level.

We not only have the irrefutable data over hundreds of thousands of horse starts on synthetic but we have the notable success of several major tracks that have employed them.

The first is Keeneland. The last meet they ran on synthetic in 2014 was the most successful meet in Keeneland's history at that point. All-time attendance and handle records were set. There were record field sizes, minimal scratches with inclement weather when races were taken off turf. And most importantly, there were zero breakdowns!

The second is Santa Anita. The last meet run at Santa Anita in 2009 had an injury rate of 0.57 per 1,000 horse starts compared to their pre-synthetic era on dirt of 2.78 per 1,000. That computes to a 4.8 times higher safety record. This is in spite of a poor-quality installation that would not properly drain, eventually having a subsurface membrane failure allowing aggregate to float to the surface.

Here are some compelling stats from three tracks currently running on synthetic surfaces: Golden Gate, Presque Isle, and Gulfstream.

Golden Gate had an injury rate of .38 per 1,000 with 12,986 horse starts in 2021 and 2022 on their Tapeta surfaces.

Presque Isle race meets in 2021/2022 had 0.24 injuries per 1,000 with 8,178 horse starts.

Gulfstream with its newly installed Tapeta track had the best record of all with only one injury out of 7,085 horse starts with 0.14/1,000. This translates to a 9.7 times safer surface than their dirt track.

Belmont has recognized the advantages of having a synthetic surface with its scheduled completion in the spring of 2024.

Injuries on a national basis have dropped significantly at certain tracks since the implementation of intensified pre-race veterinary examinations of our horses and have the promise of continuing to diminish injuries with mandated requirements by HISA. This high-level scrutiny of starters combined with the safest possible racing surface will dramatically reduce injuries and show the world that we care.

Horseracing is a sport with a rich history of tradition. The thought of changing the racing surface of the Kentucky Derby to a synthetic surface will not appeal to those that value tradition above the safety of our horses and the survival of our beautiful sport. If we do not take drastic proven steps to significantly eliminate breakdowns we are destined for the fate of Greyhound racing.

Today's public has no stomach or tolerance for what they perceive as abuse of our horses. The “writing is on the wall” or in our case the New York Times, CNN and the 6 o'clock news. We either embrace innovative change supported by the data to maximize safety for our horses and riders or we are destined to experience a slow painful death.

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50th Annual American Farrier’s Association Expo To Be Held In Texas

The American Farrier's Association (AFA) is pleased to announce the return of our 50th Annual Convention to Arlington, Texas, Nov. 8-12, at the Arlington Expo Center.

As the only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA Convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking, as well as a robust MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the equine industry.

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 8, our 50th Annual Convention will feature guest lecturers who are the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions. Including 20 hour-long session in just four days, attendees will be able to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.

In addition to lectures, AFA Convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with our qualified certification instructors, start their journey towards farrier certification with our Examiners and Testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in our MarketPlace, network with people from all over the world, and watch the best farriers in the industry compete in our 2021 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition.

The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from Nov. 9 through Nov. 11, featuring over 100 farriers competing in the Open, Intermediate and 2-Person Draft Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Finals on Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. It is following this competition that the members of the 2022 American Farriers Team will be named. These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at competitions all over the world, but most notably at the International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England, in October 2022.

“We are excited to be returning to Arlington for our 50th year to showcase the rich history of our association in a location that has proven to be popular with our attendees and vendors. We look forward to highlighting our past success and looking toward the future during this special 50-year celebration,” said AFA executive director, Martha Jones. “We welcome anyone in the Arlington area to attend—even if it's only for just one day—to watch and learn from the top farriers and veterinarians in the world, and to better understand why using a qualified farrier matters for the welfare of your horse.”

More information on the AFA Convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events, registration and competition classes, can be found on our website.

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Embracing New Technology

Periodically I find myself on the other end of a call with a client seeking a nonexistent 'tool' in my bag of tricks. It can be awkward to expose one's own ignorance on a topic, not to mention uncomfortable. In these instances, I suspect most farriers don't make it a habit of turning away 'good' clients and some of them reply, “Oh sure, I do that, or use that product all of the time.” Shoeing sometimes requires a certain degree of salesmanship; I believe the Irish call it malarkey.

Given the range of innovation and abundance of out-of-the-box thinkers attempting to bring new ideas and products to market within the farrier industry, it has become essential to have Google and/or YouTube on your speed dial (if that still exists). One click of a button, 'virtually' makes you an expert. When necessary, I'm not ashamed to say, that's what I do too.

Recently, I was advised about a client horse, “Ellie,” who was returning home from an extended stay at the clinic after a severe bout with laminitis. Laminitis, also commonly known as founder, is a painful condition affecting the tissue (laminae), which bonds the hoof wall to the coffin (pedal) bone. The root cause and remedy continues to elude investigators. The mare was reportedly comfortable and stable enough for the van ride home. Additionally, I was advised that she was due, and that a product called 'FormaHoof' was successfully being used by the clinic's farrier. In truth, I was initially skeptical. After multiple phone calls with veterinarians, followed by calls to the clinic's farrier, and activating my online speed dial to view multiple application videos, I acquiesced.

FormaHoof had already been on my radar. After some further investigation, the concept seemed interesting and possibly useful in certain cases. However, when a new product or concept makes landfall at your doorstep, there also can be some level of anxiety. In an industry that is built on sayings like, “you're only as good as your last horse,” undoubtedly there is some pressure to perform.

View of the sole with a FormaHoof barefoot mold | Jude R. Florio photo

FormaHoof essentially creates a glue cast, by the use of a mold and a type of fast-set glue which encapsulates the hoof. The process basically creates a cuff, with the glue covering the outer wall to a midway point, as well as the sole and frog. Additionally, there are multiple types of molds: barefoot, traction, or performance. Fortunately, Ellie's front hooves were a similar size which only required the purchase of one mold. (It should be noted: a horse with differing hoof sizes may require the purchase of an additional mold, making the undertaking costlier).

The application requires glue and tips for every application, with the one-time expense of the applicator glue gun. Also provided was a length of plastic/fabric mesh, which is cut and inserted into the mold prior to the hoof and acts as an additional structure for the glue to adhere to. Theoretically, the mold should also be a one-time purchase, however, that is dependent upon hoof size and growth which may require the future purchase of a larger or smaller-sized mold. Multiple applications seem likely for reuse, especially when care is taken ensuring the proper maintenance and storage of the mold(s), which in this instance consists of one horse, two feet, once a month.

A degree of patience is necessary for both the applier and horse, as there is a slight learning curve for correct application. Additionally, some degree of agility and maneuverability are required. The application process requires contorting oneself with steps that include elevating the hoof with the mold and injecting glue into multiple points, followed by lowering the hoof to the ground and maneuvering around the foot to additional glue injection points. Throughout the duration of this hoof/mold/glue ballet, cartridges and tips will likely need to be exchanged, including keen observation of the glue's path and attempting to predict where to move next. I definitely recommend giving oneself some extra time when first attempting this process, and I would advise the purchase of extra glue cartridges and tips until your technique is perfected. It is probable that a few spots will need touching up, but with additional attempts, it does get slightly easier. Admittedly, the ability to perfect the application on the initial go around continues to remain elusive after multiple attempts.

Residual product after removal | Jude R. Florio photo

A cost benefit analysis is recommended as some may consider the investment cost prohibitive.

There are multiple scenarios where FormaHoof use would be appropriate, specifically on a barefoot horse where the ability to conventionally affix a shoe is difficult and/or impossible. However, 'flat-footed' horses may not be able to take sole or increased frog pressure as a result of the hoof's encapsulation, an unfortunate reality which may not be initially apparent until after the product is applied requiring the product's immediate removal. In my conversation with the clinic's farrier, he mentioned occasionally experiencing the pressure problem and indicated it was alleviated by the placement of some impression material. Additional concerns may include a horse's transition out of the product and the experience of possible soundness issues with the removal of a 'cuff' glue-on or a hoof cast, when the hoof wall has a negative reaction to the loss of the artificial support created by those interventions. Lastly, the hoof's preparation is key to ensure reducing opportunity for bacteria promotion and/or eliminating the possibility of abscessing which would require the product's removal.

FormaHoof's barefoot mold | Jude R. Florio photo

On hand for the initial application for Ellie, Dr. Mark Ketner, DVM of Ketner and Associates, a seasoned practitioner and Monmouth Park veterinarian since 1987, admitted he was “very impressed” with the product. When discussing other scenarios that might warrant the product's use, Ketner said, “[FormaHoof] should be great in situations with significant hoof wall defects, or prolapsed soles.”

He added, “There should be minimal soft tissue effects.”

When asked specifically about the appropriateness for racing, he replied, “Not sure about racing; it would depend on the reason the horse needed the product, assuming significant rotation and sole prolapse would preclude a racehorse from being sound.”

As with all stories, the hope is that they will end happily. Unfortunately, far too many stories of laminitis most often don't. Fortunately for Ellie, this story does. Recently while turned out in the paddock, she decided to take a number of trot steps and then proceeded to successfully exit the paddock with a jump over the four-foot gate! I think it's pretty clear she is feeling good and at the end of the day that's what every farrier strives for.

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Shoeing: A ‘Balancing Act’

Full disclosure, for anyone who knows me or has spotted my videos (Farrier Tales), I am not a 'plater,' but I am guessing that would be a foregone conclusion given the rotund nature of the horses featured. In fairness to them, they do go fast, but tend to have a few obstacles in the way.

As one might expect, there is a significant amount of client crossover with the racing and show worlds; I've spent a fair amount of time at the farms, handling broodmares, wrestling babies and shoeing my fair share of newly 'broke' young horses getting their first set of training plates.

It goes without saying, I tip my hat to all of the track shoers of the world. I have wheeled my toolbox into stalls, with my stall jack, dropping nails, wondering how in the heck do these guys do this? As Seamus Brady (legendary U.S. Equestrian Team Farrier), my mentor, would often cry out when I was under a horse for a while, “You need to come up for air.” Of course, this is a reference to the bent-over position platers endlessly hold as they pull, trim, shape and nail on shoes, seemingly in one motion. Fortunately, shoeing show horses has me coming 'up for air' more frequently.

While the disciplines are different, including shoe types and styles, the science of shoeing and its practice are universally the same. When we say, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' we should also consider (relative to horseshoeing), 'balance is in the eye of the beholder,' since not all farriers see the foot the same way. Every farrier brings varying levels of skill, education and experience which affects their ability or inability to read, trim and balance a foot. Of course, the horse's overall behavior, including its patience and cooperativeness for shoeing, should never be overlooked.

Lateral radiographs of the same hoof which highlight pre- and post- shoeing with interventions and observable/measurable changes. Top image demonstrates subluxation of the bony column (bending line), as well as improvement in the shoe's caudal placement, enhanced breakover, increased palmar angle and corresponding hoof angle. | Courtesy of Dr. Isaiah Robinson, DVM, Miller & Associates

Defining Balance and Alignment

'Balance' exists when phalangeal or bony column alignment is achieved. Bony column alignment refers to the relationship of coffin/pedal (P3), short (P2) and long (P3) pastern bones. This relationship, while attempting to achieve equilibrium, should be the most important consideration for farriers. Failure to address these issues will undoubtedly affect many other mechanisms and

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may likely lead to soreness, lameness and, of even greater significance, lead to a career-ending injury.

Failure to address the hoof's 'forward' migration 'off the horse's leg,' increases stress and strain on the soft tissue aspects of the leg and may negatively affect the duration of unrollment (breakover), which science believes can be directly influenced by farrier interventions. Unrollment referring to the hoof's rotation, loading and unloading with breakover being the final moment when the toe leaves the ground.

Incorporating Radiography for Shoeing

Pre- and post-shoeing balance radiographs have become fairly commonplace in the pleasure/show world. Perhaps one can cynically argue, it is another 'billable opportunity' for veterinarians and, in some instances, I might agree. However, there have been many occasions where balance radiography has been a great tool to have when trying to read what Seamus often referred to as 'comical' or unusual feet.

The harsh reality is there are only two ways to find something out as it relates to a horse's foot: going too far (which is always discouraged) or taking a picture and seeing where things stand. (Of course, this excludes doing the same thing [wrong] repeatedly, which I am told is the definition of insanity.) Radiographs will likely highlight what is needed to effect reasonable changes, attempting to modify breakover and improve alignment and ultimately performance.

An image of a 'high/low' hoof presentation post shoeing; the 'high hoof:' left front (on right) and 'low hoof:' right front (on left). With radiography, a veterinarian/farrier can determine their ability to make possible changes to correctly address this hoof presentation. | Courtesy of Jude Florio

Furthermore, radiography may reveal 'false' soles, the misleading appearance that a farrier is looking at the 'bottom' (sole) of the foot. Some horses can naturally build up sole, a protective property of the hoof, which makes reading a foot difficult without going too far. More importantly, radiographs can provide a visual aid to identify the coffin bone's vertical depth (distance from bottom of bone to sole/ground surface) on the low heel/long toe hoof presentations which can aid a farrier's decision to take a foot 'down' (trimming from the bottom) or take a foot 'back' (pulling a foot forward and rasping the outer wall back) (See Figure 2).

I certainly recognize the Thoroughbred hoof is not easy. Frankly, for someone who drives nails as high as I tend to, which is a non-issue but necessary with heavy jumping warmbloods, a Thoroughbred foot is a landmine, thin walled and sensitive. A bit of sage advice that I once received and often repeat: 'I get paid for what I leave on and not for what I take off,' as it relates to trimming and shoeing. That statement is most appropriate when considering the task at hand for the racing Thoroughbred shoer, however, we should always be open to seeking out new techniques, increasing our knowledge which we can only hope improves our skill.

When considering this topic, I reached out to a well-respected veterinarian whose practice covers a variety of performance horses, including those which frequent the track and show ring. He said he deals with foot-related issues often and encourages farriers to 'back toes' with the goal of improving alignment. I asked him, “Do you shoot any balance rads for shoeing?” His answer, “Jude, it's just not done [in racing].” Adding, on the rare occasion that foot radiographs are taken, “Most of the time the farrier doesn't even look at them.” Perhaps they should.

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