1. The Equine Hoof
By: Nadja Koehler

2. Hoof Wall Made up of keratinized epithelial cells
Cells are arranged in tubules and run from coronary band to ground surface
Thickest at toe becoming thinner at quarters (sides)
Contains pigment

3. Hoof Wall Function: Weight-bearing surface of the hoof
Helps retain moisture
Protect internal structures of the foot

4. Laminae Two Layers: Insensitive-forms inner layer of hoof wall
Sensitive-covers surface of coffin bone, acts as attachment for hoof wall and coffin bone, and acts as main area of circulation within foot
White Line-yellowish area where layers intermesh

5. Bars Function: Where hoof wall is reflected back toward toe
Located in heel area of hoof
Function:
Prevent over-expansion of hoof wall

6. Sole Covers bottom of coffin bone Sensitive Self-limiting growth
Sloughs off when thickness > hoof wall
Concave at ground surface
Shape prevents sole from directly bearing weight
Easily bruised
Occurs when bearing weight: heavy riders, “flat feet”

7. Frog Occupies area between bars Wedge-shaped Sensitive
Apex — point of frog
Cleft—ridge in rear portion of frog
Sensitive
Produced by papillae
Elastic
Moisture content ~ 50%
Greasy secretions from fat glands bet. digital cushion and frog

8. Digital Cushion Functions: Also called plantar cushion Fleshy “heel”
Back half of hoof
Fibro-elastic, fatty
Functions:
Shock absorber for foot
Pumps blood from foot back to heart

9. Bones Three Bones: Short pastern Navicular bone
Partly in and partly above hoof
Navicular bone
Smallest bone
Increases articular surface and movement of coffin bone

10. Bones Continued Coffin bone
Location-to the front and slightly to outer side of hoof
Largest bone
Provides shape to foot and rigidity needed for weight-bearing
Resembles miniature hoof in shape

12. The Horse’s Second Heart
What do I mean??
The Hoof, of course!

13. How? Blood is pumped to the hoof from the heart through arteries
With each step, pressure is put on the veins in the plantar cushion of hoof which pumps the blood back to the heart
As this pressure is released, the blood flows back to the hoof through the arteries by a combination of heart pulses and gravity

14. Lameness How? Most lameness can be prevented
Proper foot care and management

15. Healthy Hooves Frog is a good indicator of foot health
Daily maintenance prevents lameness
Good foot care should include:
Regularity--Routine cleaning
Frequency--Periodic trimming
Cleanliness
Use of proper corrective measures--Corrections and treatment

16. Routine Cleaning Includes use of: Always clean from heel toward toe
Hoof pick
Fine-bristled wire brush
Always clean from heel toward toe
Do not apply too much pressure with either tool. This can cause:
Damage-bruising, abcess, infection, etc.
Disturbance of moisture balance

17. Trimming
Goal:
To maintain proper shape and length of the hoof
Hooves should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks depending on usage of your horse
Tools:
Hoof knife
Nippers
Rasp

18. What causes lameness? Stone in the foot- Bruised sole- Corns-
Stones lodge between shoe and frog
Bruised sole-
Direct injury of flat of foot by stones or irregular ground
Corns-
Bruising of sole between bar and hoof wall
Caused from poorly fitted shoes or neglect to reshod regularly

19. Causes continued... Pricked foot or Puncture wounds- Hoof cracks-
Result from foreign objects entering sole (stone, glass, wire, etc.)
Foreign objects can stay in foot for as long as a year
Hoof cracks-
Occur mostly in dry or untrimmed hooves
Can also be caused by injury of hoof forming tissue
Thrush-
Bacterial infection of frog and sole due to irregular cleaning and dirty conditions

20. Causes continued... Laminitis- Navicular disease-
Inflammation of laminae
Caused by overeating of grain, ingestion of cold water by a hot horse, retained afterbirth, overfatness, idle horse on a lush pasture
Navicular disease-
Caused by injury to navicular bone
Common in breeds with genetic defects in conformation
Increased probability with heavy use on hard ground