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Abstract
The study analyses of the hoof horn growth in thoroughbred mares within the annual cycle with special emphasis put on the period of lactation. The analysis included 23 mares, among which 16 were lactating after foaling and 7 formed the control group. Based on the principal component analysis and t test, it was concluded that lactation is an important factor which results in decreasing the hoof horn growth. The difference between the two groups of horses was lower at the initial stage of lactation and it gradually increased towards the end of the process. Aside lactation, annual seasonality also affects the growth dynamics of the hoof horn. The intensity of this process decreases between October and March and then it increases again.