The hoof and hoof care

Parts of the hoof

The parts you see when you lift the hoof and look at it from the side, and what each one does.

Click a number to open that part.

• 1Hoof wall
• 2Coronet
• 3Sole
• 4Frog
• 5White line
• 6Bars
• 7Heel bulbs
• 8Hoof mechanism

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  1 Hoof wall

  The hard outer part of the hoof that carries weight and shields the sensitive tissue inside.

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  2 Coronet

  The soft band where skin meets horn at the top of the hoof, where new hoof wall is formed.

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  3 Sole

  The slightly concave underside of the hoof inside the white line, shielding the sensitive parts.

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  4 Frog

  The V-shaped, rubbery wedge on the underside of the hoof that absorbs shock and gives grip.

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  5 White line

  The softer band where the hoof wall and sole meet, the seam between outside and inside.

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  6 Bars

  The inward-folded parts of the hoof wall along the frog that help support the heels.

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  7 Heel bulbs

  The two soft, rounded pads at the back of the hoof, above the heels.

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  8 Hoof mechanism

  The slight expansion and contraction of the hoof with every step, which absorbs shock and helps circulation.

Daily care

What you can safely do yourself: pick out, check, and know when to call for help.

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  You can do this

  Picking out hooves

  Removing dirt, small stones and manure from the hoof with a hoof pick, usually every day.

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  You can do this

  Daily hoof check

  A short daily look and feel to notice changes to the hooves early.

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  You can do this

  When to call a professional

  A short list of basic hoof signs that mean you call a farrier or vet instead of doing something yourself.

Shoeing and professionals

A neutral introduction to horseshoes, nails and the professionals who care for the hooves.

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  Barefoot or shod

  A neutral introduction to the difference between horses without shoes and horses with shoes.

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  Horseshoe

  A curved band, usually of steel, fixed under the hoof wall to limit wear.

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  Horseshoe nails

  The special flat nails the farrier uses to fix the shoe through the insensitive hoof wall.

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  Farrier

  The trained professional who trims hooves, fits shoes and maintains hoof balance.

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  Barefoot trimmer

  A professional who focuses on trimming and maintaining barefoot hooves without shoes.