Numerical Simulation and Experimental Scheme for Monitoring Hoof Wall Structure and Health in Sport Horses

This study provides a computational model developed to demonstrate the possibility of monitoring hoof structure and health in equestrian sport. This is achieved by employing finite element simulation of threedimensional heat flow from a surface heat source into a hoof structure while simultaneously sensing the surface temperature. The time evolution of the recorded surface temperature, transient curve, is used to investigate hoof structure and predict its intactness by comparing these curves for three different models. We have observed differences between the transient curves obtained from a normal hoof structure, a hoof structure containing a foreign material and hoof capsule subjected to wall separation. An experimental method for probing hoof profile was briefly discussed. It uses temperature sensor/heat source. The method can determine the thermal conductivity of the hoof along the hoof structure from the recorded transient curve. Thus, it displays the hoof structure by utilizing the thermal conductivity variation between the hoof parts.