Equine Science & Technology

Hoof Care

Hoof CareStructure of the Foot

Hoof CareStructure of the FootHoof Wall- a substance made up of parallel

fibers.

It should be dense, straight, and free from rings, (ridges) and cracks.

Hoof CareThe 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 CareCoronet (Coronary band) Source of growth for the hoof wall. Protected by a thick layer of skin and dense

hair. A healthy foot will grow about 3/8 inch per

month. Injury to the coronet can result in irregular

growth of the hoof wall.

Hoof CareCoronet (Coronary band)

Coronary Band

Hoof CareSole- a horny substance that protects the

sensitive inner portions of the foot. Should be firm, slightly concave, and of

uniform texture. The horse has no feeling at the exterior sole

surface. A flat-footed horse tends to receive more

bruises and injuries to the sole.

Hoof CareFrog- 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 CareInternal Foot StructureCoffin 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 CareHorseshoeingHorses 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 CareHorseshoeing Tools

Anvil- used to shape shoes and serves as thefarrier'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.

Hoof CareHorseshoeing 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 CareHorseshoeing ToolsDriving 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.

Hoof CareCare of the Feet Keep feet clean Prevent them from drying out. Trim them so they retain proper shape and length. Shoe them correctly when shoes are needed. 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.

Hoof CareThrush- 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.