Early hoof care and growth plate development:
Support health from the start.
Managing the care of your foal is one of the most important aspects of equine welfare. The decisions made during these early stages of development can have a significant and lasting impact on the horse's future health, performance and overall well-being.
Breeders, owners and trainers should be aware that hoof care for foals should begin as early as three days after birth. Early assessment helps ensure that congenital or developmental defects are identified quickly, allowing appropriate corrective treatment to be initiated at the most effective time.
Normal foaling position vs. Angular deformities of the limbs
It is important to distinguish between the normal leg position of a newborn foal and a true deformity. Many foals initially stand with a slightly wide leg position, creating a natural “A-frame” appearance as they find their balance and their soft tissues strengthen. This position should be relatively symmetrical, improve with movement, and not show a clear break in the axis of the limb. In comparison, an angular deformity involves a persistent inward or outward deviation at a specific joint, such as the knee, hock, or hock, often resulting in a visible varus or valgus deformity (the knees angle outward or inward). Therefore, assessment should be made from the front, from the back, and while the foal is walking in a straight line on a firm, level surface, with prompt veterinary and/or farrier intervention if the deviation is marked, asymmetrical, worsens, or does not improve in the early neonatal period.
Soft codes and early hoof development.
In some cases, mild soft flexor tendons are given time to correct themselves, and many foals recover without major intervention. However, prolonged abnormal loading can damage the hoof capsule and soft tissue structures in the pasterns. Over time, this can contribute to problems such as low pasterns, an underdeveloped soft breech pad, and negative angulations of the pastern.
Growth plate closure times in foals and young horses.
Closure of the growth plates is another important consideration when assessing foals and planning early hoof care, exercise and corrective care. Closure generally progresses from the hoof upwards: the lower limbs mature first, while the upper limbs, pelvis and spine continue to develop for much longer. The timings below are approximate and may vary depending on breed, size, nutrition, health and handling. Any suspected leg deformity, irritation of the growth plates or abnormal loading should therefore be assessed promptly town a veterinarian and farrier in collaboration
|
Region/bone |
Growth plate |
Approximate closing time |
|
The hoof |
Main growth plate |
Before birth |
|
Crown bone |
Proximal |
9–12 months |
|
Code leg |
Proximal |
13–15 months |
|
The pipe |
Distal, above the code |
Approximately 4–6 months to 16–20 months, depending on the specific location and reference source |
|
Upper arm bone (Humerus) |
Distal |
15–18 months |
|
Forearm bones (Radius and ulna) |
Proximal |
18–24 months |
|
Forearm bones (Radius and ulna) |
Distal, above the knee |
Approximately 2–3.5 years |
|
Shinbone (Tibia) |
Distal, above the hock |
18–24 months |
|
Shinbone (Tibia) |
Proximal |
3–3.5 years |
|
Femur |
Proximal/distal regions |
2.5–3.5 years |
|
Pelvis |
Hip and pelvis |
1.5–4.5 years |
|
Spine |
Vertebral growth plates |
3–5 years or more; often among the last areas to mature |
Ultimately, careful observation in the first days and weeks of a foal’s life is one of the most valuable tools in supporting the foal’s future health. Not all variations in posture or development require immediate intervention, but keeping an eye on what is normal, what is changing, and what is cause for concern allows for timely decisions to be made. With early assessment, appropriate fitting, veterinary guidance, and sensible management, many developmental issues can be improved before they develop into long-term problems, giving the young horse the best possible foundation for a healthy and athletic future.
