The 2025 Hippology Academy kicks off on February 9. It's back! Topics for this year include First aid and vitals for...
Hoof Care Articles
Be Patient!: What a Farrier and Trainer can Share with the Horse World
Digital Cushion
The digital cushion is a wedged-shaped structure with a fibro-fatty composition in the foal and in the colt, and it...
Rocker-toe Shoe
The rocker-toe shoe is frequently used in conjunction with the egg bar to alleviate tension on the deep flexor tendon...
Sliding Plates
Sliding plates are shoes used on the back feet of reining horses to help them slide across the ground while they are...
Common Hoof Problems
Many problems can occur within the horse's hoof. This article addresses common hoof problems, including abcesses,...
External Parts of the Horse Hoof
A horse’s hoof can be divided into five areas: the wall, the sole, the frog, the periople, and the white line....
Blood Pumping Mechanism of the Hoof
Blood is pumped from the heart through arteries to the hoof and is assisted in its return through a “pumping...
Evaluating the Hoof and Trim Job
Ensuring that a horse's hooves are properly trimmed and balance can help to prevent lameness. This article discusses...
Bones of the Hoof
Long pastern bone. The long pastern bone is located between the fetlock and pastern joint. The long pastern...
How a Horse’s Hoof Grows
Hoof growth is one of the most important considerations in hoof physiology. Hoof growth occurs from the coronary band...
Sensitive Structures of the Hoof
The sensitive structures are so called because they contain many nerves and blood vessels. Injury to them will cause...