Did you know that hoof balance can turn the benefits of tendon recoil into a disadvantage!? The Storage and utilization of elastic strain energy is particularly significant in equine locomotion. Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, even in slower gaits such as walking, causes the long digital flexor tendons and Suspensory to stretch, resulting in the storage and release of elastic strain energy. This mechanism is primarily responsible for the distal forelimb acting like a passive spr