The frog is one of the most important anatomical structures of the horse. A frog helps maintain a fully functioning hoof that is vital to a fully functioning horse. At about 50% moisture content, the frog is easily the highest structure in the hoof capsule for moisture retention.
Borium is a hard-facing rod that we weld to horseshoes to extend wear and/or adds traction, depending on how it is used. Borium is applied to the shoe with a torch using a technique called brazing. The rod contains carbide particles in various sizes depending on what size rod one uses.
With foaling season once again upon us it is a good idea to revisit strategies for conformational corrections. The first important aspect is regular farrier visits and daily farm inspections.
The hoof of any equine athlete adapts to the forces upon it. Looking at a single hoof from different views, a farrier can assess it for levelness and sometimes gain opposing opinions from those views.
The hoof of any equine athlete adapts to the forces upon it. We look at a single hoof from different views to assess it for level and sometimes gain opposing opinions from those views.
The hoof wall is the armor and support of a horse’s hoof capsule. Hoof wall growth is generated at the coronet band and from there keratinizes into hoof horn, which we call hoof wall.
The shape of a horse’s conformation often dictates the form a hoof takes. A “cow hocked” trotter is one example. The hind toes are turned outward and the cap of the hocks are turned inward toward each other. This type of conformation will cause the hind feet to land wider than normal when the horse is in motion.
The balance and levelness of the hind hoof has been a key component of “clean” gaited horses for more than 100 years. Having read books written that long ago, I realized that they had many of the same issues back then that we still deal with today.
In today's breeding environment, raising a foal to sell at a yearling sale or race at 2 routinely requires some type of veterinary or clinical assistance regarding conformation.
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
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Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.