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Symmetry
Both front and back feet should be matching pairs in size
and shape. They should have the same height of heel and
matching dorsal wall angles (front feet approximately 45
o
;
hind feet approximately 60
o
) and each hoof should also be
symmetrical about its mid-line with no flaring of the hoof
capsule to the inside or outside.
Straight hoof pastern axis
A ‘broken back’ hoof-pastern axis is usually seen with a
long toe: low heel conformation and will result in caudal
heel pain. ‘Broken forward’ hoof-pastern axis can occur
with abnormally sloping pasterns or as a consequence
of contraction of the flexor tendons during the growth
of youngsters. Both are undesirable and a cause
of weakness.
Even horn growth
An evenly growing hoof capsule is smooth; conversely,
marked changes in nutrition result in surges of horn
production which cause ridges to develop on the surface
of the hoof (‘grass rings’). These should not cause
concern. If ridges diverge towards the heel, however, they
signal chronic laminitis and frequently occur in association
with a concave dorsal wall. If inspecting feet, check for
rasp marks over the upper hoof wall as this may be a sign
that abnormal growth rings have been rasped away.
Foot
conformation
and what to look
for
17
Foot care
Good foot conformation relies upon the following:
Foal with acrylic build up on the medial
aspect of the right hoof.
This horse’s hooves turn in towards the
midline, the affect of this on the joints and
other structures of the limb can be reduced
by remedial farriery.
Equine
foot care