Descriptive Documentation of the Annual Cycle of the Hoof Growth and
Natural Trimming in the NBC Semi-feral Herd

Laura Florence
2004-2006 Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation
Research Fellow

The goal of this project is to systematically describe equine hoof growth and wear characteristics under natural environmental and social conditions, using the semi-feral herd at New Bolton Center as one model herd.

Studies underway

• Photo documentation
  • to create a visual record from which to describe hoof conformation over time, including the self-trimming process and environmental influences
• Hoof print measures:
  • estimate hoof size, shape and ground contact
  • take measures of individual hoof prints
  • categorize hoof shapes and area of ground contact
• Direct measures:
  • take physical measures in order to estimate hoof size, shape, health, quality, and morphology
  • visually assess of hoof health and quality

       Preliminary Findings

o     On the limited data collected to date findings suggest

§         there are distinct hoof shape types

§         there are differences in hoof shape and size based on sex

§         there are apparent genetic influences in hoof conformation

§         there is a cycle of self-trimming

§         there is a pattern of trimming

This is Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation Project.

Laura Florence is a retired artist who has been shoeing horses for 12 years.  She has been a resident farrier at New Bolton Center since 2000.  Laura’s interests include hoof pathology and therapeutic shoeing.  She has also been interested in hoof health of horses living under natural conditions.