CLEMSON, S.C. — Healthy hooves are the foundation of a healthy horse. This publication gives an overview of basic hoof anatomy, hoof care practices, and common ailments for horse owners to best maintain the health and functionality of their horses’ feet.
Care and Trimming
Maintaining the hoof in a condition that does not inhibit the horse’s gait requires some training and an understanding of hoof growth and anatomy. This section is only an overview of the anatomy and process; more detailed instruction and demonstration is required to provide the necessary education on how to correctly trim a hoof. Figure 1 shows components of the hoof capsule including the straturn medium (or hoof wall), sole, frog, and bulb of the heel.
The straturn medium or hoof wall must be kept as a smooth weight-bearing surface; therefore, one-fourth to three-eighth inch of monthly growth will need to be trimmed away or, if it is wearing too rapidly, protected with a set of shoes or boots.1 The sole also will need to be trimmed periodically so that it remains below the weight-bearing surfaces but never thin enough to bruise easily. The outer surface of the hoof wall is covered by a wax-like material that seals and helps conserve moisture within the hoof, and this protective surface should not be removed when the hoof is trimmed.
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–Clemson Extension Land Grant Press