coronet band, at the most lateral portion of the rear pastern, at a 90 degree
angle to the ground, at the rear of the shoe.
• 50 percent rule. The HPA regulations prohibit artificial extension of the toe length
that exceeds 50 percent of the natural hoof length. The artificial extension shall be
measured from the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe at a 90 degree
angle to the proximal (foot/hoof) surface of the shoe. In accordance with the
diagram below, USDA and DQPs will measure artificial toe extensions, as follows:
o Natural hoof length: measured from the coronet band (arrow “A” in the
diagram below), at the center of the front pastern along the front of the
hoof wall, to the distal portion of the hoof wall at the tip of the toe.
o Artificial extension: measured from the distal portion of the hoof wall at
the tip of the toe at a 90 degree angle to the proximal (foot/hoof) surface
of the