Effects of Body Indices and Shoeing on Hoof Morphometry among Sudanese Country-Bred Polo Horses in Nigeria
Authors: I. Oyenekan, S. A. Salako, S. A. Koleosho, R. Ajadi
Journal: Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Body Indices, Shoeing, and Hoof Morphometry in Sudanese Polo Horses Whilst hoof size underpins limb function and performance in working horses, the relative contributions of shoeing status and body conformation to hoof morphometry remain poorly characterised in hardy, indigenous breeds. Researchers in Nigeria measured body indices (height, heart-girth, body length and weight) and comprehensive hoof parameters (toe length, solar dimensions, wall widths) across fore and hind limbs in shod and barefoot Sudanese country-bred mares, stratified by body type. Significant morphological differences emerged between shod and unshod groups specifically in dorsal hoof wall width and solar length and width (p<0.05), whilst body indices showed strong positive correlations with overall hoof dimensions—notably, heart-girth and body weight proved most predictive of hoof size. The findings suggest that both mechanical factors (shoeing) and inherent conformation substantially shape hoof architecture in this breed, with proportional ratios (hoof dimensions relative to body measurements) offering practical predictors of morphological variation. For practitioners working with indigenous or non-Thoroughbred populations, these results indicate that shoeing decisions warrant consideration alongside the horse's body type, and that conditioning or weight management may have measurable implications for hoof loading and wear patterns.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Shoeing status significantly alters hoof dimensions—barefooted horses show different solar and dorsal wall measurements than shod horses, requiring adjusted farriery approaches for each group
- •Use whole-body measurements (weight, girth, length, height) as practical screening tools to predict appropriate hoof size and proportions for individual horses
- •Maintain consistent hoof-to-body ratios when assessing hoof health and making farriery decisions, as these ratios are more reliable indicators than absolute measurements alone
Key Findings
- •Dorsal hoof wall width, solar length, and solar width differed significantly between shod and barefooted horses (p<0.05)
- •Strong positive correlation found between heart-girth, body length, and body weight in Sudanese country-bred mares
- •Hoof morphometry showed strong positive correlation with body indices (height, weight, girth, length)
- •Hoof-to-body measurement ratios (hoof index, length and width ratios) were the most important indicators of differences between shod and barefooted horses