EN
The main objective of the study was to determine a rate of hoof capsule growth. In order to achieve this goal the research was conducted on a group of Malopolski horses under the same usage and feeding conditions. All horses were kept in the same stable. The food basis consisted of hay with ad libitum access. The grain was given as a nutritive fodder. From mid-April horses were kept on pasture for approximately 8 hours a day. Horses were saddled and ridden for training and recreation purposes for at least 2 hours a day. All mares were barefoot. Measurements were made at 6-week intervals on newly trimmed hoofs of left forelimbs and hindlimbs in the group of 7 mares of the Malopolski breed. Firstly a groove was created in the hoof wall which was parallel to the coronary band. Next, during a hoof growth, the rate of groove descent was measured in 7 points with 1 mm accuracy. Statistics were obtained on a hoof growth at weekly and 6-week intervals. The results show that the hoof horn grows at a rate of approximately 13 mm during 6-week intervals and 2.1 mm weekly. The growth was equal on the whole hoof circumference. There are no differences between growth rates in forelimbs and hindlimbs.