Equine Science & Technology

1. Equine Science & Technology Hoof Care

2. Hoof Care Structure of the Foot

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Hoof Care Coronet (Coronary band) Coronary Band

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Hoof Care Frog Sole

10. 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.

11. Hoof Care Navicular Bone Coffin Bone

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.