Hoof Development: From Fetus to Maturity

The hoof is a dynamic structure that undergoes continuous changes throughout a horses’ lifetime.
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Hoof Development: From Fetus to Maturity
The hoof is a dynamic structure that undergoes continuous changes throughout a horses' lifetime. | Photo: iStock

The hoof is a dynamic structure that undergoes continuous changes throughout a horses’ lifetime. Those changes, however, hadn’t been completely document until recently, when researchers from the United Kingdom studied alterations in hoof wall structure and in the hoof capsule, hoof shape changes, and hoof color changes. Additionally, they documented the rapid speed of hoof renewal hoof growth in foals, weanlings, and yearlings.

Simon Curtis, PhD, BSc(Hons), FWCF, who served as principal researcher in the study series, is a farrier based in Newmarket, England. He presented the research findings to an audience of farriers and veterinarians at the 2017 International Hoof-Care Summit, held Jan. 24-27 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

During his presentation, Curtis shared information about the hoof’s development through the various stages in the young horse. We see the importance of the hoof and its ability to function immediately when a foal stands within an hour of birth, then (in the wild) travels 10 to 20 miles per day as the herd searches for food and water, he said

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Sarah Evers Conrad has a bachelor’s of arts in journalism and equine science from Western Kentucky University. As a lifelong horse lover and equestrian, Conrad started her career at The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care magazine. She has also worked for the United States Equestrian Federation as the managing editor of Equestrian magazine and director of e-communications and served as content manager/travel writer for a Caribbean travel agency. When she isn’t freelancing, Conrad spends her free time enjoying her family, reading, practicing photography, traveling, crocheting, and being around animals in her Lexington, Kentucky, home.

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