Collateral Western (Pair)

Characteristics and Biomechanical Effects

Narrow Branch:
Features an internal spherical relief designed to increase branch penetration into the ground, allowing greater controlled sinking ("deeper ground engagement"). An external bevel is incorporated to facilitate breakover and promote easier release of the non-affected limb.

Wider Branch:
Does not include an internal spherical relief or an external bevel, thereby minimizing branch penetration into the ground (reduced sinking). This configuration provides increased stability to the injured collateral ligament by limiting excessive movement on the affected side.

Therapeutic Effects

• Rebalances the limb in cases of medial or lateral overload.
• Restores joint alignment in horses presenting distal limb deviations.
• Reduces tension and strain on the collateral ligaments.

Indications

• Recommended for injuries involving the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock joint) and collateral ligament injuries of the distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint). In these cases, the wider branch of the horseshoe is positioned on the injured side so that this side sinks less into the ground, thereby reducing stress on the damaged structures.
• Also indicated in cases of articular collapse, positioning the thinner branch on the collapsed side to allow greater ground penetration and facilitate biomechanical rebalancing of the affected limb.

Technical Note

The biomechanical principle of the asymmetrical horseshoe is based on creating a controlled difference in ground reaction forces between the medial and lateral aspects of the hoof. By selectively altering the degree of ground penetration and the timing of breakover, the shoe redistributes load, stabilizes injured soft tissues, and assists in restoring functional alignment of the distal limb.