Answer: A hoof that is proportional to the horse’s body size allows for ideal distribution of body weight over the foot’s laminar surface. (Laminar surface refers to the area where the sensitive laminae, attached to the coffin bone, interlocks with the horny laminae at the hoof wall.) When the foot is proportional to body size, it prevents over-compression of the sensitive and bony structures and allows the hoof to expand normally under movement.

Hoof size is influenced by heredity, management and nutrition. Horses fed an optimum diet have an 80% increase in hoof-sole-border area size compared to those fed a limited diet.

Not all feet are created the same — thus horse foot care must be based on each individual horse’s foot conformation and anatomy. One size does not fit all.