Growth Line
Barefoot trimming uses many different external indicators to determine if our trims are successful over time....
Frog Position
Health and Re-growth of Frog
Concavity of the Sole Plane
Width, Height, and Spread of Bars
Distortions of Sole Wall (including even thickness)
To me...one of the most vital indicators is the Growth Line. This shows how tightly connected our new hoof growth is and the angle our horse would like to grow. If there is a difference in the angle out of the coronet band and the lower hoof...we have some issues that need to be addressed.
Hooves grow like fingernails. If you smash your pinky finger and destroy the nail, you have to wait for the damaged area to grow out from from the nail bed.
Similarly if there is damage to the hoof wall, you have to re-balance the hoof to allow for proper growth, and wait for it to grow out completely. So as horse owners and hoof professionals we are watching this new growth and waiting (not so patiently) for that line to hit the ground and BE GONE!
Here is a newly trimmed hoof from one of my clients. She is an older mare* and is making great progress.
*Many people believe older horses cannot improve their feet, but this is simply untrue.
It may not be evident from this view but there are great changes taking place...and the Growth Line over time tells us we are giving the hoof what it needs (trim - good movement, nutrition, exercise, etc) to maintain improvement and good performance.
Lets take a closer look...
The Arrow denotes a very distinct shift in hoof angle (the place were the red and green line cross in the picture below). The dotted line represents that shift around the hoof wall.
Remember we are looking at growth from the coronet band so this line will curve depending on its shape.
The RED line is the old angle we are trying to grow out (cutting off with each trim).
The GREEN line is the new healthy connected growth that we are working to maintain and grow all the way to the ground.
As long as the growth ABOVE the arrow stays the same or better (steeper) we can be sure we are continuing a trim well suited to the rehabilitation of this horses hoof.
When this old flared hoof is completely grown out (sometimes referred to as One Hoof, or One Cycle) often, we will see a new improved angle start. This is when we grow a "Second Hoof" and start the process again. Horses will sometimes need to grow several rounds of hooves until they reach there best foot and optimal angles for their confirmation.
Each horse is different and each trim unique. However we strive for the same ideal...to balance the heels and hoof-wall and to correct the break-over around the toe. This allows for proper movement.
Hoof Balance = Proper Movement
Proper Movement = Good Hoof Growth
In essence, I simply try to get the horse moving better so the foot can go back to how it is meant to be. I do not correct feet, I correct movement which allows the feet to correct themselves.
and now...the UGLY truth...
This process ladies and gentlemen is NOT PRETTY. Before each trim the feet may have a terrible pancake appearance and you think you've gone backwards.
Even this owner, who's been with me for a while, had some concern about these feet until she saw the final product. As the Growth Line grows closer and closer to the ground, that distinct line creates a jarringly flared appearance to the foot. Since we have significant width to trim off (if not length), the look of the feet is much improved after each trim.
CAUTION
Once the Growth Line is within 1 in of the ground at the toe it is helpful to file more of the hoof wall at the toe back at each trim to avoid hoof wall breakage at the Growth Line.
If you have ever scored a piece of glass, tile, or sheet rock you understand how that small scratch can create and easy breaking point when the pressure gets high. Same goes here. Since the hoof wall above the growth line is tight and strong and the hoof wall below is loosely attached and often hollow, you can see how that last bit of flared toe can snap off, leaving an ugly and exposed area ripe for fungus and bacteria.
If you need help learning more about your horses hoof care contact me to set up an appointment.
Have a fantastic Horsey Day!
