Using the Tool
- Introduction
- Wall Length and Flare
- Collateral Groove & Sole
- Frog and Heel Bulb
- Hoof Length, Width and Contraction
Introduction to Measuring Your Horse’s Hoof Structure and Growth
Hello. Thank you for visiting this website. I sincerely hope that this site instills knowledge, hope and determination to help you care for your horse(s). The information that I am sharing with you on the next pages comes from the time and hard work of many professionals in the field. Please see the links page for more detail on any of the topics I have discussed.
I want to tell you from personal experience that the Precision Hoof Pick will help you through your challenges so that you can reach your goals and achieve optimal hoof health. This tool was created from my heart and soul. I needed this valuable tool to help me through my challenges and it has continued to be a tool that I rely on every time I pick up my horses’ hooves.
I am proactive by taking growth measurements regularly with the Precision Hoof Pick to achieve perfect hoof balance that improves the performance of my horses. It helps me correct any distortion before harm is done to the whole horse. I hope the measuring examples I have displayed on this site provide guidance. However, I want to make clear to viewers that I am not recommending that you trim to a standardized measurement. Each hoof needs to be measured and analyzed individually. It is recommended that you seek guidance from a hoof care professional.
Sarah J. Nickle
Creator of the Precision Hoof Pick.
Measuring Your Horse’s Hoof Structure and Growth: Wall Length and Flare.
Using the Precision Hoof Pick (PHP) measuring tool, you can view excess toe growth.
In the graphic below the large gap between the PHP tool and the dorsal wall indicates a large amount of flare (reference A). This hoof wall is naturally flaring out and trying to chip off the excess hoof wall to achieve its natural length. Flare is an indication that a trim is needed. You can view such signs of flare with or with out shoes.
If the angle becomes less steep (reference B) as you continue measuring the full toe length, then separation is present.
Measure ½ inch (1.3 cm) down from the coronet band. This is the angle at which the well-connected hoof wall wants to grow (reference C).
At the solar surface you can easily measure the excess flare and length of the wall with the PHP.
In the graphic below, the white line has been compromised. It is evident that a great amount of stress has been put on the lamina that connects the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When the lamina is weakened due to stretching and separation, this can lead to infection. In this case it is evident that black fungus has penetrated the white line. (reference D)
It is painful for the horse to have the overgrown wall tearing away from the coffin bone. For a shod horse, you will need to do such inspections and measuring after the shoes are pulled.
Gauging flare with the PHP on the medial side of the hoof. Gap indicates excess growth and separation. (reference E)
Gauging flare with the PHP on the lateral side of the hoof. Looks good. (reference F)
Measuring wall and white line width with the PHP.
By keeping a measurement log of wall and white line thickness, you will be able to track and monitor any changes in integrity of the hoof wall and white line structure. This structure change can be a result of negative impact from diet and/or chemical toxins. (reference G)
Wall height should also be measured with the PHP on a regular basis and trimmed down to the desired height as needed. Depending on growth cycles, you may need to trim more frequently to keep a desired natural length. A natural wall height of 1/16 to 1/8 inch (.16 to .32 cm) above the sole at all times is effective. (reference H)
The hoof wall should be smooth with no flaring or distortion.
In this example (reference I), the toe is trimmed back to the hoof’s natural length. Most horses have a natural toe length between 3 and 3 ½ inches (7.6 and 8.9 cm) long. It may take many trims for a rehabilitating horse to achieve this natural length. Seek professional guidance!
Addressing the excess growth on a timely basis ensures proper balance, hoof structure and ultimate performance.
Measuring Your Horse’s Hoof Structure and Growth: Collateral Groove Depth and Sole Concavity
By measuring your horse’s collateral groove depth with the PHP, you can get an idea of the internal position and shape of the coffin bone/P3. (The only conclusive way is through use of an x-ray).
Measure to see what thickness of sole the hoof has from the bottom of the collateral groove to the surface of the hoof.
To do this you would lay a flat edge across the bottom of a properly trimmed hoof and take your measurements.
You will want to measure the collateral groove depth at the apex of the frog and at the back part of the groove.
Showing bowl shape concavity of solar surface.
By measuring, you can determine if the hoof has good concavity that helps with the absorption of concussion. You can also determine if your horse has a thin or adequately thick sole that protects the internal structures.
For further education on the importance of collateral groove depth and solar concavity, please visit the websites listed on the links page.
Measuring Your Horse’s Hoof Structure and Growth: Frog and Heel Bulb Health, Shape and Proportion.
Measuring width of heel bulbs at back of frog.
The frog and heel bulbs play an important roll in hoof soundness. One important function is that they help absorb concussion when the hoof hits the ground. The picture below shows nice wide, healthy Heel Bulbs (reference A).
Slighty indented central sulcus. Beautiful! (reference B)
Measuring length of frog. (reference C)
A wide, tough, leathery surface with a slight indented central sulcus in the middle is needed. This area of the hoof needs pressure and contact with the ground for strengthening, callusing and blood circulation. If this does not occur, this area of the hoof will atrophy, deteriorate and harbor bacteria. As a result your horse will not make a desired heel first landing. The health of this area attributes to the soundness of the internal structures.
Measuring frog/sole proportion.
Researcher Dr. Robert Bowker has noted the presence of pressure receptors in the frog that help in sensing different types of terrain and surfaces. He also recommends working towards a one-third to two-third frog/sole proportion. The length of the solar surface should be at least two-thirds frog and measuring from the apex of the frog to the end of toe should be one-third. (see picture below)
Measuring depth of infected central sulcus.
This is an example (reference D) of an unhealthy frog with a deep infected central sulcus.
This will improve with:
- Soaking to kill the bacteria/fungus.
- Proper trimming to allow de contraction
- Allowing frog pressure for better circulation to grow healthier tissue.
Keep a measurement log to track progress!
Measuring Your Horse’s Hoof Structure and Growth: Hoof Length, Width and Contraction.
Hoof length and width measurements are helpful to take with the PHP, especially if you are rehabilitating hooves. It is beneficial to take these measurements before implementing diet or environmental changes. It is interesting to measure and see how the hoof adapts to these changes over time.
It is exciting to see how the hoof size changes as you progress through the healing stages. If your horse is just coming out of shoes, it is advisable to take measurements right after the shoe is pulled and then periodically after to see how contracted the hoof actually was in shoes. The hoof should expand and spread out over time with better blood circulation as it de-contracts.
