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| Horse hoof, courtesy of MU Extension
office. |
This glossary of horse hoof terms will familiarize
you with the parts of your horse’s hooves so it’s
easier to identify areas of the hoof that can cause discomfort
and lameness when not properly cared for.
The terms are arranged in order from outside
the hoof to inside, then up the leg.
Wall –
The part of the hoof you see when your horse is standing.
It is the insensitive covering of the hoof, much like your
fingernail, and is the part of the hoof to which horseshoes
are attached. It also surrounds the Coffin Bone on the front
and sides. The wall grows continuously and must be worn off
or trimmed off about every five or six weeks. In the front
feet, the wall is thickest at its leading edge. In the hind
feet, the wall is more uniform in thickness. The wall, frog,
and bars are the weight-bearing structures of the hoof.
Bars –
The termination of the hoof wall on either side of the frog.
The bars are that portion of the wall that curves forward
at the heel.
Frog –
A highly elastic, wedge-shaped mass of tissue that normally
makes contact with the ground first when your horse is walking
with its natural, healthy, heel-first tread. The frog is bisected
front to back by a central groove, and a collateral groove
runs on either side, front to back, between the edge of the
frog and the hoof wall bars.
Sole –
The area of the bottom of the hoof surrounding the frog, and
slightly above the level of the frog. This area does not normally
contact the ground.
Toe, Quarters, Heel –
The three areas of the hoof wall, which is divided roughly
in thirds, front to back. The toe is the front third, the
quarters are the middle sections on either side, and the heel
is the back third.
White Line
– The line of demarcation between the insensitive outer
hoof wall and the inner portion of the hoof containing nerves
and blood vessels. It is visible when looking at the bottom
of the hoof, and is similar to the line between your fingernail
and the “quick.” When improper trimming causes
the hoof wall to be forced away from the sensitive inner structure,
it gives rise to White Line Disease, a common cause of lameness.
Coffin Bone
– Also known as the Third Phalanx. It is the lowermost
bone in your horse’s foot, and is connected to a leg
muscles by a tendon. Cartilages extend backward and upward
from the Coffin Bone. Correct orientation of the Coffin Bone
by proper trimming of the hoof wall is crucial to hoof health
and to prevent lameness.
Navicular Bone
– A small bone located slightly behind and above the
Coffin Bone that is supported by a small, fluid-filled sac
called the Navicular Bursa. Incorrect orientation of the navicular
bone and those above it, which can be caused by improper trimming
and shaping of the hoof wall, can cause Navicular Bone Disease,
resulting in lameness.
Short Pastern
– The bone located directly above and connected to the
Coffin Bone.
Long Pastern
– The bone located directly above and connected to the
Short Pastern.
Coronet
– The point at which the hair and skin of your horse’s
leg meet the hoof wall. New layers of hoof wall are produced
from the area just below the coronet.
If you are concerned about your horse's feet
and would like an expert opinion contact
us. Keeping your horse's feet healthy and comfortable
are keys to a long, enjoyable life for your horse.
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