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Do the hooves of foals grow faster than those of mature horses?

Close inspection of a foal’s hooves reveals an interesting characteristic, a well-defined circumferential ridge of horn. Present at birth, the ridge appears at the coronary band and shifts toward the ground as the hooves mature, providing a reliable indicator of hoof growth rate.

In one study*, researchers at Myerscough College in the United Kingdom measured how long it took hooves of newborn Thoroughbred foals to be completely replaced by new growth. Researchers noted the day the circumferential ridge was removed during routine hoof trimming and then calculated the number of days since birth.

The mean age for ring removal was 145 days, with a range of 120-165 days.  How does this compare to hoof growth in mature horses? Thoroughbred foals replaced fetal hooves in about half the time it takes mature horses (270-365 days).

Farrier consultation for foals should begin when they are a few weeks old. Well-trained farriers can help foals grow correctly, especially when mild angular deformities and club feet are recognized as potential problems. Farriers and veterinarians often work together in these instances.

*Curtis, S., J. Martin, and S. Hobbs. 2014. Hoof renewal time from birth of Thoroughbred foals. The Veterinary Journal 201(1):116-117.

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