Equine Science

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Equine Science Technology

• Hoof Care

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Hoof Care

• Structure of the Foot

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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.

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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.

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Hoof Care

• Coronet (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.

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Hoof Care

• Coronet (Coronary band)

Coronary Band
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Hoof Care

• Sole- 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.

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Hoof Care

• 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.

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Hoof Care
Frog
Sole
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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.

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Hoof Care
Navicular Bone
Coffin Bone
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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.

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Hoof Care

• Horseshoeing 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.

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Hoof Care

• 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.

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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.

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Hoof Care

• Care 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.

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Hoof Care

• 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.