Hooves come in a variety of shapes ans sizes, from flat to round or splayed just to name a few. But what do these terms mean? Listed below are some pictures and descriptions of common hoof shapes and what they mean.
1) 'Flat' Feet: These are hooves in which the sole lacks concavity and lies very close to the ground. It can result from overly thin sole material, or from overly thick sole material. Front feet are naturally flatter than hind feet, and some breeds have genetically flatter feet than others, but an overly flat foot is usually the result of inflammatory processes.
2) 'Upright' Feet: These hooves have an abnormally high heel height, resulting from relatively benign causes or severe pathology. The most innocuous cases result from overly long growth, or unbalanced trimming and are usually resolved quite quickly. In more severe cases, an apparent high heel can be caused by a rotation of the hoof capsule around the bony column as in acute laminitis. Occasionally, this type of foot can arise due to chronically shortened tendons, so this will be the 'normal' shape for the foot.
3) Flared Feet: Hooves with large amounts of flare can result from feet that are overdue a trim, or from feet which suffer from long term inflammation and usually also exhibit under-run or collapsed heels.
4) 'Narrow' Feet: This hoof will exhibit a contracture in the heels, making it appear more oval and will normally show a deep central groove in the frog which will be prone to infection. By encouraging the horse to use his feet in a more correct fashion, these feet can be encouraged to open out.
5) 'Round' Feet: Your bog-standard warm-blood or draft horse foot- nearly circular with robust walls and high level of symmetry.
6) 'Wide' Feet: These are usually hooves which have bilateral flaring, making the width markedly longer in measuremtn than the toe-heel length. Some horses and breeds tend towards this type of foot even in a healthy state. You may find difficulty finding these horses hoof boots that fit well.
7) 'Long' Feet: Usually this indicates a long toe/low heel shape for the foot and can either be the result of unchecked growth, chronic inflammation, or poor trimming. This can usually be rehabilitated well with proper trimming and treatment of the causes of inflammtion.
8) 'Under-Run' Feet: When a hoof's heels become under-run, the heel purchase migrates forward, nearer the apex of the frog, and continued weight-bearing on these bent structures tends to further the problem. This type of foot will usually exhibit flaring on one or both sides. With some supportive padding, correct trimming and diet this foot has a good prospect for rehabilitation.
1) 'Flat' Feet: These are hooves in which the sole lacks concavity and lies very close to the ground. It can result from overly thin sole material, or from overly thick sole material. Front feet are naturally flatter than hind feet, and some breeds have genetically flatter feet than others, but an overly flat foot is usually the result of inflammatory processes.
2) 'Upright' Feet: These hooves have an abnormally high heel height, resulting from relatively benign causes or severe pathology. The most innocuous cases result from overly long growth, or unbalanced trimming and are usually resolved quite quickly. In more severe cases, an apparent high heel can be caused by a rotation of the hoof capsule around the bony column as in acute laminitis. Occasionally, this type of foot can arise due to chronically shortened tendons, so this will be the 'normal' shape for the foot.
3) Flared Feet: Hooves with large amounts of flare can result from feet that are overdue a trim, or from feet which suffer from long term inflammation and usually also exhibit under-run or collapsed heels.
4) 'Narrow' Feet: This hoof will exhibit a contracture in the heels, making it appear more oval and will normally show a deep central groove in the frog which will be prone to infection. By encouraging the horse to use his feet in a more correct fashion, these feet can be encouraged to open out.
6) 'Wide' Feet: These are usually hooves which have bilateral flaring, making the width markedly longer in measuremtn than the toe-heel length. Some horses and breeds tend towards this type of foot even in a healthy state. You may find difficulty finding these horses hoof boots that fit well.
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