Hoof Anatomy & Physiology

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Hoof Trimming and Leg Stress: One Step at a Time

As a rule of thumb, we know that our horses should be trimmed (and shod if necessary) at least every six to eight weeks. But where did those numbers come from? Van Heel recently studied how a hoof changes between trims, and she found that neglecting

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Hoof Supplements (Book Excerpt)

A number of nutritional factors are promoted as hoof growth aids. Such products may include gelatin, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other dietary supplements.

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The Perfect Hoof

An interesting dichotomy exists when we turn our attention to the horse’s foot. On the one hand, without a healthy foot, a modern-day horse really has no value. On the other hand, the foot often is the most neglected part of the horse’s anatomy.

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Big Feet, Big Shoes

Whether you’re a heavy horse fancier or not, a big hitch of fancy draft horses is an arresting sight. But what’s the connection between all this flash and the ideal function of a heavy horse? Show ring insiders say you’re seeing an animal

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Managing Wet Feet

Hoof care is one of the most important aspects of quality horse management. Hoof trimming, good nutrition, and

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Foot Problems: One Step at a Time

We all should be aware of our level of competence with foot problems–horse owners, veterinarians, and farriers. Since there is no formal education in the field of podiatry, training must be sought on an individual basis.

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New Focus on the Foot

The twenty-first century is going to be exciting for the horse world. We will see technology continually improve our ability to study, diagnose, correct, and hopefully prevent more of the hoof problems that have plagued horses for centuries.

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Can You Influence Hoof Growth?

We ask an awful lot of an animal who walks on his middle toenails. Humans have recognized for centuries that the foundation of a horse’s soundness lies in his hooves–“No foot, no horse” is about as basic a principle as there is. It all comes

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The Equine Foot — Form and Function

There is an adage that is as old as the modern-day horse. It goes something like this: No foot, no horse. My late father, who could pick out a minute leg or foot unsoundness at a glance, used to lecture his young son about the importance of good

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AESM Convention

Researchers, veterinarians, and horse people from around the world gathered in San Antonio in April for the 16th meeting of the Association for Equine Sports Medicine (AESM). The program included three full days of presentations concerning the

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Stepping Ahead: Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium 2001

Laminitis is one of the most serious and difficult-to-treat diseases horses can get, and only by learning everything about this problem can we prevent and treat it successfully. Enter the 14th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium held Jan. 25-27

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Problems With Hooves

It takes nearly a year for the hoof to grow down from the coronary band to the ground. Therefore, anything that happens to the horse — whether specific trauma to the foot or a systemic problem — can affect the health of the hoof for a long time.

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