This is also the time when a firm foundation in hoof care, or the lack of it, will affect the growth and angulation of the foal's limbs. Regular hoof care that promotes healthy growth and angulation of the foal's limbs is essential to the future career of the foal. B one are not static. They can be reshaped due to conformation , level of care and diet. Unequal stresses on bone cause unequal growth and repair.
Uniform stresses on bone cause uniform growth and repair .
Therefore , uniform weight bearing, achieved through regular hoof care, will effect uniform growth and repair. This is true in horses of all ages but is critical in foals. T he bone of a foals limbs have epiphyseal cartilage plates near their ends. This plate produces bone cells allowing the bone to grow lengthwise. The pattern of growth can be affected by unequal stresses.