Horse Hoof Anatomy

Equine Hoof Exterior:

The Coronet is the band around the top of the hoof where the hair and skin stops and the hoof starts. New layers of hoof wall are produced from the area just below the coronet. If the coronet is damaged, the growth of the hoof wall may be interrupted.

The Hoof Wall is the horny exterior part of the hoof you see when your horse is standing. It grows down continually from the coronet. The wall is similar in composition and function to our fingernails. The wall of the hoof can be very thin, or very thick depending on the type of horse, its nutrition and environment. Wild horses wear down hoof growth naturally, but domestic horses require regular trimming by a farrier.

Cool hoof wall facts:
• In the front feet, the wall is thicker at the leading edge In the hind feet, the wall is more uniform.
• Hoof color is influenced by the color of the skin above it. If your horse has white markings just above the wall, the hoof may carry the same pigment.

Toe, Quarters, Heel: The hoof wall 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.

Under The Hoof:

The Frog is a triangular, spongy area in the center of the underside of the hoof which absorbs shock and helps pump blood to the interior parts of the hoof. The central groove in the frog aids in flexion and grip.

Bars are the portion of the wall that curves forward at the heel where the hoof wall terminates on either side of the frog.

The Sole is the concave underside of the hoof. Surrounding and slightly above the level of the frog, this area does not normally contact the ground.

The White Line is the line of demarkation where the bottom edge of the hoof wall meets the sole.

Caution: Improper trimming may force the hoof wall away from the sensitive inner structures, causing White Line Disease, a common cause of lameness.

Interior Horse Hoof Anatomy:

The Coffin Bone is the lowermost bone in your horse’s foot, and is connected to a leg muscles by a tendon. Cartilage extends back and up from the coffin bone. Proper trimming of the hoof wall ensures correct orientation of the coffin bone and decreases the risk of lameness.

The Navicular Bone is a small bone located slightly behind and above the Coffin Bone. Degeneration of the navicular bone and its protective cartilage due to improper trimming and shaping of the hoof wall can result in Navicular Disease, a common cause of lameness.

The Short Pastern is the bone located directly above and connected to the Coffin Bone.

The Long Pastern is the bone located directly above and connected to the Short Pastern.

Lateral Cartilage is located on either side of the coffin bone. These cartilage structures absorb shock and contribute to the elasticity of the hoof. Repeated and excessive concussion of the hoof on hard surfaces can lead to ossification of this cartilage, a condition known as sidebone.

Proper foot care and a familiarity with horse hoof anatomy is essential to your horse's health. Although they look hard and tough, hooves are surprisingly sensitive and vulnerable. Daily cleaning and care, routine trimming for proper hoof balance and a sharp eye for potential problems will keep your horse's feet in top condition.

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