Hoof Size and Symmetry in Young Catalan Pyrenean Horses Reared Under Semi-Extensive Conditions

Hoof balance and conformation have been researched extensively in performance horses. The aim of this study was to describe the solar length, width, area, and symmetry of fore and hind hooves of young Catalan Pyrenean horses (Cavall Pirinenc Català) reared under semi-extensive conditions and lacking any hoof care, trimming, or shoeing. Measurements were performed on the isolated limbs. Solar length, width, and surface area of 128 distal limbs obtained from 32 yearlings demonstrated no significant differences between left and right forelimbs or hind limbs for any variable (P = .413, .975, and .486, respectively). There were no significant differences between fore and hind limbs for length (P = .831), whereas the forehoof width and area were significantly larger than those of the hind limb (P < .001). Interindividual variability was low for hoof width and length (coefficient of variation, <10%) and slightly larger for solar area (coefficient of variation, <15%). All variables had very high left-right symmetry (≥98%). No relevant laterality could be identified (directional asymmetry indices <2%). Notwithstanding the absence of regular hoof care, young Catalan Pyrenean horses reared under semi-extensive conditions present homogenous hoof sizes and a high level of symmetry for hoof length, width, and solar area.