Dorso-palmar (-plantar) balance of a hoof is evaluated from the side. Stance, limb conformation and hoof conformation must all be considered when evaluating balance. For a hoof (and limb) to be balanced, the axes of the limb must be straight and the the hoof pastern axis (HPA) should be in alignment. The length of the dorsal hoof wall should be in proportion to the length of the pastern and the length and slope of the heels should be in proportion with that of the toe.