Hoof wall highlights…
A horse’s hoof has a unique design. For the most part, it is made up of many interconnected tissues that, when healthy and working in concert with each other, are incredibly resilient. It is often said that the horse’s hooves are a reflection of his health. Once you familiarize yourself with the interrelated nature of the equine foot, in general, you will gain a better understanding of the hoof wall (capsule) and any structural changes that may arise. In an effort to stay somewhat “anatomically correct” the term foot is used as a reference for all tissues, inner and outer, that exist below the hairline at the coronary band level of the horse’s digit. Whereas, the term hoof is often used to indicate the outer horn/insensitive tissue that is exposed. Essentially, with every external tissue that you can see, there is a sensitive corresponding tissue that produces and nourishes it. Keep this in mind as we shift our focus to your horse’s hoof wall and the issue of hoof cracks.
hoof crack
Simply put, the hoof wall is designed to withstand both compressive and concussive forces. These tissues are comprised of a strong, flexible epidermal tissue, not unlike your finger- and toenails. If you were to zoom in on a segment of that tissue, you would see something analogous to a sheet of compressed three-layered construction board. These layers, or “plies,” of hoof wall consist of a series of compressed horn tubules (inter & intra tubular aspects) called stratum. From deepest to most superficial, the innermost layer nearest the coffin bone is the stratum internum, the middle layer is the stratum medium, and the external membrane is stratum externum. With this tubular wall construction, the vital functions of strength, flexibility, and moisture balance are provided. This is quite the balancing act, particularly when the hoof wall is under excess force or extreme climate fluctuation. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, there will come a time when you do notice hoof damage or cracking when your horse is under overwhelming stress.
hoof crack 2
Cracks classified...
Not all hoof cracks are created equal. While some cracks are just a minor blemish or an eye sore, others can lead to a structural weakness and potentially cause lameness. Hoof cracks are simply an indicator of conditions that are stressful for your horse and, though not at all life-threatening, should not be ignored.
In trying to combat hoof cracks the best place to start is to classify them.
Bryan Farcus
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Your best defense?...
Most often, hoof cracks are incremental and great majority of them are superficial, not deep or structural. Therefore, you should have time to make the best decision for your horse. As a basic rule, your ability to read your horse’s comfort level will be the best indicator of the severity of a hoof crack. Also, the benefits of providing good daily care for your horse, in general, will always promote the healthiest hooves. Maintaining a well-balanced diet, exercise and, of course, routine farrier visits will be your best defense against any hoof crack. Remember that moderation in all you do with your horse is always your best bet, since any extremes to your horse’s extremities will only increase hoof stress, which eventually shows up as one of those ugly cracks.
hoof crack 4
Bryan S. Farcus MA, CJF ( www.farrierfriendly.com ) is a Certified Journeyman and also holds a certification in Equine Massage Therapy. For nearly 30 years, Bryan has been an instructor of several Farrier Studies programs, as well. Bryan is also the creator of a select line of "Farrier-Friendly"™ products and currently authors a series of "Farrier-Friendly"™articles that appear in horse magazines throughout the US. If you’ve enjoyed Bryan’s articles in magazines or on-line, you can now purchase his Horse owner's guides in paperback or Kindle at www.amazon.com