Williams Lake Trail Riders Association

The teenage suspect Emily Grace facing multiple felony charges after three horses were intentionally injured over the weekend should be tried as an adult, according to a recommendation from the District Attorney's Office.

"These allegations involved deliberate acts of extreme cruelty against defenseless animals and have had a significant impact on the victims, the owners, and the broader equestrian community," said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. "Animal abuse cases are taken extremely seriously by our office. Nevada law allows certain juvenile offenders to be prosecuted as adults when warranted by the seriousness of the conduct. We believe this case meets that standard."

You may have heard your veterinarian or farrier talk about “NPA” (Negative Palmar Angle) — but what does that actually mean for your horse?

The palmar angle (PA) is a measurement made from a lateral radiograph (side-view x-ray) of the hoof. It measures the angle between the bottom of the coffin bone (P3) and the ground surface.
✔️ In the front feet, a healthy palmar angle is typically 2–7° positive
✔️ In the hind feet, a 0° or neutral angle can be acceptable (called the plantar angle)

So what happens when the angle becomes negative?
A negative palmar angle changes the biomechanics of the hoof and lower limb. This can place excessive stress and strain on:
• Deep digital flexor tendon
• The navicular apparatus

Over time, this may contribute to:
▪️ Heel pain and navicular-related issues
▪️ Soft tissue injury
▪️ Lameness
▪️ Poor performance
▪️ Lower back soreness or compensatory lameness higher up the limb

The good news: radiographs help us accurately identify hoof balance issues and guide treatment plans. Managing NPA is a team effort between your veterinarian and farrier, using appropriate trimming, shoeing, and monitoring to improve hoof mechanics and comfort.

Pictured on the left is a horse with a negative palmar angle and a broken back hoof pastern axis. On the right is an example of a horse with an appropriate positive palmar angle.