Preliminary Biometric Study on Symmetry of Hoof Solear Aspect in Forelimbs in Four Horse Breeds

Correct conformation and symmetry of bilateral hooves are associated with a properly balanced hoof, which has a significant impact on the biomechanics of movement and reduces the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to compare solear aspect dimensions of bilateral hooves in forelimbs (hoof width, length, frog width, length, medial and lateral diagonals) with regard to sex, breed and age of horses. The dimensions were measured with a calliper in 100 horses of four breeds. The results showed that the breed factor significantly affected all dimensions. Age was significant for some variables, while sex was not a significant factor. The hoof solear dimensions did not differ between mares and geldings, decreased with a corresponding decrease in horse breed size and often increased with age. Significant differences in the mean dimensions between bilateral hooves were rare and did not show a clear tendency across the population. However, considering the prevalence, almost 1/3 of horses showed asymmetries in particular dimensions. It was concluded that there are no consistent, one-directional asymmetries in the solear aspect of bilateral hooves in horse forelimbs despite frequent two-directional asymmetries occurring in horses. Trimmers should regard the findings to try to maintain hoof symmetry.