Equine Science & Technology Hoof Care

Structure of the Foot

Hoof Care Structure of the Foot Hoof Wall- a substance made up of parallel fibers. It should be dense, straight, and free from rings, (ridges) and cracks.

Hoof Care The main functions of the hoof wall are to:  Provide a weight-bearing surface not easily worn away.  Protect the internal structure of the foot.  Maintain moisture in the foot.

Hoof Care Coronet (Coronary band) SSource of growth for the hoof wall. PProtected by a thick layer of skin and dense hair. AA healthy foot will grow about 3/8 inch per month. IInjury to the coronet can result in irregular growth of the hoof wall.

Coronet (Coronary band) Coronary Band

Hoof Care Sole- a horny substance that protects the sensitive inner portions of the foot. SShould be firm, slightly concave, and of uniform texture. TThe horse has no feeling at the exterior sole surface. AA flat-footed horse tends to receive more bruises and injuries to the sole.

Frog- a spongy, flexible pad that is also a weight bearing surface.  Located at the heel of the foot, it forms a V into the center of the sole.  Condition of the frog is generally a good indication of the health of the foot.  Complements the circulation of blood and absorption of shock throughout the foot.

Hoof Care Frog Sole

Hoof Care Internal Foot Structure Coffin bone- provides the shape of the foot and the rigidity needed to bear weight. Navicular bone- serves as a fulcrum and bearing surface for the deep flexor tendon which is responsible for extension of the foot as it progresses through a stride.

Hoof Care Coffin Bone Navicular Bone

Hoof Care Horseshoeing Horses are shod every 4 to 6 weeks to protect their feet from breaking and wearing away faster than the growth of the horn. Shoes are also used to:  Change gaits and action.  Correct faulty hoof structure or growth.  Protect the hooves themselves from such conditions such as corns, contraction or cracks.

Hoof Care Horseshoeing Tools Anvil- used to shape shoes and serves as the farrier's workbench. Forge- used to heat steel or shoes in preparation for shaping them for the horse being shod. Knife- used to remove dirt and trim excess frog and sole from the foot. The hook on the end is used to trim the frog and clean the crevice between the bar and frog.

Horseshoeing Tools Nippers-used to trim the wall of the hoof and other parts that are too hard for the knife. Come in all sizes and descriptions. Rasp- used to level the foot after trimming: one side is coarse and the other is fine.

Hoof Care Horseshoeing Tools Driving hammer- used to drive nails in to the hoof. Nails- used to attach shoes. Assorted sizes of nails are available for different types of horseshoes. Clinch cutter- used to cut clinches prior to pulling shoes.

Care of the Feet KKeep feet clean PPrevent them from drying out. TTrim them so they retain proper shape and length. SShoe them correctly when shoes are needed. EEach day the feet of the horses that are shod, stabled, or used should be cleaned with a hoof pick and inspected for loose shoes and thrush.

Thrush- a disease of the foot caused by necrotic fungus and characterized by pungent odor.  It causes a deterioration of the tissues in the cleft of the frog or in the junction between the frog and the bars.  This disease produces lameness and, if not treated can be serious.