Breed is one factor that affects hoof shape. It's easy for farriers to see the differences in hoof shape between a Thoroughbred, Shire, and an Arabian. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Recent research by Simon Curtis, PhD, BSc(Hons), FWCF, a farrier based in Newmarket, England, has revealed how weight-bearing and loading affect hoof wall growth, compression, and overall hoof shape.

During a presentations at the 2017 International Hoof Care Summit,  held Jan. 24-27  in Cincinnati, Ohio, Curtis shared how farriers might apply his research findings and provided practical applications for trimming and shoeing adult horses. He encouraged the audience of farriers to help develop focused trimming and shoeing techniques based on his research outcomes.

Hoof Shape Change Overview

Curtis’ previous findings indicated that loading in foal feet varied among different parts of the hoof, whether medially, laterally, dorsally, or caudally. Wherever weight-bearing and loading was greatest, hoof growth was reduced and while more compression occurred