Matching Feet? Why “Perfectly Identical” Isn’t Always the Goal

As equine caretakers — farriers, trainers, or horse owners — we often hear the question: “Should my horse’s feet match exactly?” The short answer: not always.

In RFDTV Episode 12 — “Matching Feet”, presenter Gene Ovnicek tackles a common misconception: that a horse’s feet must look identical (angle, shape, size) to be “correct.” As he points out — and experience supports — that belief can often lead to problems such as lameness, especially when trying to force a “cookie-cutter” standard on naturally unequal feet. hoofcaretoday

Instead, Gene emphasizes that each foot has its own functional needs. Forcing symmetry with a predetermined hoof-gauge or conforming to another foot’s geometry often disregards the horse’s internal anatomy and can create imbalance, stress, and even pathology. hoofcaretoday+1

What “Matching Feet” Really Means — Function, Balance, Soundness

When working with a horse’s hooves, here’s why “matching” should be reframed as “balanced and functional”:

• Functional Angle over Visual Symmetry: Rather than striving for identical hoof angles, the goal should be to trim/shoe each foot so it aligns internally — with bones, joints, and tendons — in a way that the horse moves soundly and comfortably. As Gene puts it: a functional angle is based on what that foot needs. hoofcaretoday+1

• Recognize Natural Asymmetry: Many horses have slight conformation differences. Trying to force identical external hoof form may compromise internal alignment, resulting in stress or structural strain. hoofcaretoday

• Avoid Pathology from Over-Trimming: Using arbitrary hoof-gauge angles and trimming/shoeing to “match” can cause undue stress — which may contribute to lameness or long-term hoof/leg issues. hoofcaretoday+1

• Strive for Balance & Function: The real goal isn’t matching feet for appearance — but to ensure each foot supports the horse’s weight, distributes forces properly, and allows natural, sound movement.

What This Means for You & Your Horse

For horse owners, farriers, and trainers — including folks like you raising, training, or caring for equines — here are practical takeaways:

• Don’t use a one-size-fits-all hoof-gauge or attempt to force symmetry between feet.

• Evaluate each hoof individually: consider conformation, internal anatomy, and how the horse moves.

• Prioritize functional balance and comfort over cosmetic symmetry.

• If you see “mismatched” angles or asymmetry — that doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. Instead, observe movement, soundness, and overall hoof health.

• Work with a farrier/trimmer who understands hoof anatomy and the importance of tailoring hoof care to each individual foot.

Why This Matters for My Mission at Mathews Equine

At Mathews Equine — where we blend practical farriery with thoughtful, anatomy-based hoof care — I believe in setting each horse up for long-term soundness.

I’m committed to:

• Evaluating each hoof on its own merits — not trying to force cosmetic symmetry.

• Trimming/shoeing (when needed) to support the individual needs of each foot.

• Helping you, whether you’re raising foals, riding barrel horses, or managing a small herd — to understand that hoof health is more than just “does it look the same.” It’s about balance, comfort, and sound movement.