KEMPSON, S. A. & ROBB, R. (2004) Infections of equine hoof horn. In Corrective Farriery. Vol 2. Ed S. Curtis. Newmarket, R & W Publications. (In Press)

This is located at the top of the hoof and is responsible for creating horn that makes up the hoof wall. The coronary band is located where the skin joins the hoof wall. It has a rich supply of blood vessels to provide nourishment to the hoof and creates new tissue which makes up the hoof wall. If your horse lives in, or likes to stand in his own pooh, this could be enough to cause White Line Disease. A horse’s dung is full of the bacteria, fungi and protozoa from the hind gut that were used to digest the horse’s food. Once excreted they stay alive in the horse pooh for a while, and continue to feed on whatever food sources are in its environment. Hoof horn is very tasty to these bugs – in fact studies carried out by Sue Kempson 16 found equine faeces were very efficient at breaking down hoof horn – far more efficient than stale urine which is commonly thought to “soften” feet (it doesn’t).The quality of hoof horn is dictated by the nutritional balance in the horse’s diet. This does not necessarily refer to deficiencies, but excesses can also cause major problems. This is the exterior part of the hoof that can be seen and encases the internal structures offering a hard layer of protection. The material which makes up the hoof wall is keratin-based, which is also known as ‘horn’. Keratin is a protein and is the same material which makes up human hair and fingernails. It takes approximately 9-12 months for the horn to grow from the coronary band to the toe 1. The hoof wall should be smooth in appearance, with no obvious dips, grooves, lines or bulges. The name “White Line Disease” is misleading. For a start it primarily affects the inner wall of the hoof (stratum internum) rather than the white line, and it’s not a disease, it’s an infection. Its latin name is Onychomycosis, which is equally misleading as it means a “fungal infection of the nail”. Even if we ignore the fact that it’s not a nail (it’s a hoof) to assume the infection is fungal is again not always true.

These are attached to the pedal bone and serve to protect the coffin joint. They also help absorb concussion. It normally occurs when the toes are allowed to become too long, but it can be a result of laminitis or of concussion on hard ground. The treatment is to scrub out the foot and apply eucalyptus oil (available from most chemists) repeatedly along the grooves of the frog until it clears. The farrier should trim the sides of the frog to remove any damaged tissue. If there is infection and lameness call the vet and follow the advice – it may need poulticing. Effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographsThis is not a definitive guide, but it will allow the horse owner to understand more about this incredible structure. EXTERNAL STRUCTURES Here are some of the most common questions users ask when choosing the best product for their horse’s feet. How often should I apply to oil to keep my horses feet healthy?

These are caused by an injury to the sole of the foot, usually by standing on a hard object or concussion from hard ground. They can also be due to poor trimming or shoeing. The structures in a horse’s feet are responsible for supporting the full weight of the horse over a small area. Routine foot care is therefore extremely important, as any problems in the feet can be extremely detrimental to mobility and health. Structure of the horses foot This article has been written and kindly donated by Jayne Hunt (www.healthyhooves.co.uk). Jayne is a professional Equine Podiatrist and trainer who specialises in Equine Anatomy and Physiology, which she teaches to students studying the two year Diploma in Equine Podiatry course with Equine Podiatry Training Ltd www.eptrain.co.uk . References This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. ( November 2022) In the UK the coronet band is thought to be so called because coronet means “crown”. In other parts of the world the phrase “Coronary band” is often used – coronary meaning “pertaining to the heart”. This is a very tough, vascular structure which sits at the top of the hoof wall. It has two very important functions. Firstly it produces the tubules of the outer hoof wall. Secondly, it is incredibly strong and acts as a band of support to add strength to the internal structures as the hoof distorts during the stride.A vet should see all puncture wounds to the foot because if they are deep enough, they can infect the pedal or navicular bone. This is a serious condition and needs surgical attention. It can cause damage to sensitive, internal structures including tendons and could cause permanent lameness. For this reason, London Drugs requires 3 to 5 business days to have the item(s) shipped to that location. It may make hooves shiny but can make poor hoof horn worse. Don’t just take my word for it Hoof Dressings, what studies show Horses’ hooves are complex, weight-bearing structures that carry the whole horse. Looking after your horse’s hooves is incredibly important. Keeping them healthy with regular attention from a farrier, helps to prevent any problems and keep the hooves in optimum condition.

The large bone inside the hoof capsule is known as the Pedal bone or Coffin bone. Its shape provides a framework for the shape of the hoof capsule itself. I have always had very thin nails and for the past 10 years or so they have also been flaking/peeling so I could never grow my nails. SHAKALIS, R.M. and PAUTIENIS, M.J. ( 1994) Taking a closer look at white line disease. Am. Farriers J. 20, 61– 66 a b Stubbs, George (1976). The Anatomy of The Horse (1sted.). Dover Publications INC. New York. pp.39, 71–72. ISBN 0-486-23402-9. As the hoof wall grows, the flaps fold under the hoof. Trimming goat hooves regularly prevents excess growth from folding under the hoof. Proper and timely trimming for goat hooves stops the mud, manure, bacteria, stone, and food from harboring in the hoof. The goat will feel less discomfort and will continue with normal activity. The goat continues to forage and move. Hoof showing the overgrown flaps of hoof that fold under the goat hoof. Needs a trim! How Often Should You Trim Goat Hooves

Great care must be taken when selecting a farrier, so ask your vet for recommendations. Correct trimming and shoeing is vital to the horse’s welfare, and any mistakes can lead to serious, lasting damage.