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11

CHAPTER

Foot Care and Farriery

BASIC FOOT CARE

Stephen e. O’Grady

INTRODUCTION that can be applied to each foot on an individual basis. Farriery
assumes the dominant role in maintaining the health of
The equine foot is unique in that it is a biological entity the foot and preserving the integrity of its structures. 6
(hoof structures) that follows the laws of physics (biome­ The hoof care provided by the farrier depends on that
chanics). Biomechanics is the study of the mechanics of a individual’s knowledge, training, experience, and skill level.
biological structure, and it is essential that the veterinarian Because the equine veterinarian is responsible for the over­
and the farrier have a working knowledge of the foot’s all soundness of the horse, a working knowledge of farriery
biomechanics to implement appropriate farriery. 3,5,7 Proper is essential. A thorough knowledge of traditional horse­
farriery promotes a healthy, functional foot, provides shoeing enables the veterinarian to interact with the farrier
biomechanical efficiency, and prevents lameness. 6 at the farrier’s level, which ultimately enhances the profes­
The structures of the hoof complex comprise the hoof sional relationship and promotes quality hoof care. 2,4,6 This
capsule, sole, frog, digital cushion, ungual cartilages, chapter focuses on basic, fundamental farriery: evaluation
and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). The equine foot of the foot, foot trimming and preparation, shoeing princi­
has numerous functions: supporting the weight of the ples, and farriery for common hoof disorders.
horse, dissipating the energy of impact as the foot strikes For clarity in this discussion, the hoof is defined as
the ground, protecting the structures contained within encompassing the distal end of the middle phalanx, the
the hoof capsule, and traction. hoof capsule, and structures within the hoof capsule. The
The veterinary and farrier literature often describes the digit refers to the limb distal to the metacarpophalangeal/
“normal” foot. However, the concept of normal may be metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joint.
misleading because it does not consider genetics, breed, foot
conformation, environmental influences, and the athletic
pursuits of the individual horse. Thus, the terms good, ideal, EVALUATION OF THE FOOT
healthy, and functional foot may be more appropriate
(Figure 11.1), because they describe a foot that comprises: Before any type of foot care or farriery is initiated, the
hoof and digit should be visually evaluated, and the
1. A thick hoof wall observations recorded mentally or as a written record.
2. Adequate sole depth (thickness) Many of the smartphones or tablets are ideal for recording
3. Solid heel base this evaluation and can then be stored as part of the horse’s
4. Growth rings below the coronet that are of equal size permanent record. This evaluation should begin with the
at the toe and heel
5. Acceptable foot conformation horse in the static position on a firm, flat surface and then
in motion in a straight line, again on a flat firm surface.
Farriery (trimming and shoeing) affects not only the
external hoof capsule but also the internal structures of
the foot. Often trimming and shoeing methods are based Static Observation
on theoretical assumptions and aesthetic decisions derived With the horse standing still and viewed from the lat­
from empiric experience rather than consistent guidelines eral side, the hoof‐pastern axis (HPA) should form a

Adams and Stashak’s Lameness in Horses, Seventh Edition. Edited by Gary M. Baxter.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Companion website: www.wiley.com/go/baxter/lameness
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