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