Hoof Shape in Nigeria

Researchers in Nigeria conducted a survey of the hoof size and shape of Sudanese mares at several polo clubs throughout the country.

Thirty-four healthy shod and barefoot mares aged 12-15 years were selected for the study. Five physical measurements of hoof size and four measurements of body size (including an estimate of weight) were obtained and analyzed for correlations and comparisons between shod and unshod horses.

Left and right hooves tended to be symmetrical, while front hooves tended to be longer and wider than hind. There was a strong positive correlation between hoof size and body size with taller horses having larger and wider feet and heavier horses having longer toes. Dorsal hoof wall width (circumference) and solar length and width were significantly different between shod and unshod horses with shod horses tending to have wider and shorter hooves measured at the ground surface along with a greater hoof wall circumference.

— Oyenekan IO et al. Sahel J Vet Sci 2024;21:35-44 

Shod v. Barefoot Changes in Hoof Shape over Time

Eleven Quarter Horse mares in Michigan were used in a cross-over trial design to investigate the effects of shoeing on hoof measurements over a 7-week shoeing interval.

Hooves were trimmed and measured, then half were shod and half were left barefoot. Shoes were pulled after 7 weeks, measurements repeated and the barefoot horses were then shod and the shod horses were left barefoot. After another 7 weeks, the shoes were pulled and measurements were repeated a…