Rocker-toe Shoe

Hoof Care, Horses

The rocker-toe shoe is frequently used in conjunction with the egg bar to alleviate tension on the deep flexor tendon at the moment of breaking over. The amount of bend in the rocker-toe can be determined by looking at the wear on the old shoe or the wear on the toe...
Sliding Plates

Sliding Plates

Hoof Care, Horses

Sliding plates are shoes used on the back feet of reining horses to help them slide across the ground while they are in the sliding stop. Sliders should be long and U-shaped. The toe should be round and rolled slightly. The shoe heel should be extended back to the end...

Common Hoof Problems

Hoof Care, Horses

Many problems can occur within the horse’s hoof. This article addresses common hoof problems, including abcesses, cracks, sole bruises, and corns.   Abscess Abscess is an infection of the sensitive tissue of the foot. Abscesses result in varying degrees of...
External Parts of the Horse Hoof

External Parts of the Horse Hoof

Hoof Care, Horses

  A horse’s hoof can be divided into five areas: the wall, the sole, the frog, the periople, and the white line. Hoof growth occurs by cell division of the horn-producing cell layer (stratum germinativum) of the sensitive structures. The hoof wall bears the...

Blood Pumping Mechanism of the Hoof

Hoof Care, Horses

Blood is pumped from the heart through arteries to the hoof and is assisted in its return through a “pumping mechanism” in the hoof. This mechanism is necessary due to the position of the hoof in relation to the heart. There are no muscles in the lower leg or hoof to...