An investigation in to the asymmetries of the equine hoof and the influence of body weight and height on hoof conformation

Hoof conformation is influential in the aetiology of many limb disorders. Height, weight and hoof dimensions of 64 horses were used to assess hoof conformation and any relationship with physical size. Weight positively correlated with width of the coronet band (CBW) and the base of the hoof (HBW) (P<0.001) in both limbs indicating hoof dimensions increase as weight increases. CBW and HBW were positively correlated in both limbs (P<0.001). Surprisingly no correlation with height was identified; therefore suggesting weight is a more influential variable. The toe angle (TA) of the right limb was significantly greater than that of the left (P<0.05). TA’s were positively correlated (P<0.001), and as the left TA increased, left hoof spread increased, indicating an upright but splayed hoof. However as the right TA increased the CBW of the same hoof increased suggesting a more upright but boxy hoof. Further analysis may potentially link these asymmetries to common limb pathologies.