As footcare professionals know, the angle formed by the bony column of the phalanges with the hoof wall is referred to as the hoof-pastern axis (HPA), and is considered ideal when the dorsal surface of the hoof is parallel to the alignment of the digital bones (Figure 1).1
Everyone in the horse industry has, at one time or another, picked up a horse’s hoof and looked at the bottom. Many of us do this every day. When viewing the bottom of a hoof, the eyes are drawn immediately to a focal point, the frog.
Are farriers paying enough attention to aligning the bony column? Are they making enough of an effort to achieve an ideal hoof-pastern axis when possible? Or do some farriers overemphasize this concept as they work to balance hooves?
Years ago, Myron McLane realized that many farriers had difficulty applying heart bar shoes or lacked the necessary experience or equipment to effectively make them.
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.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
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.