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Understanding the Hoof — from the Horse’s Perspective
Finally....a resource for the horse owner that provides in a clear, relaxed, and easy to understand conversational format a basic and essential understanding of the hoof and hoof function.
For many horse owners, the parts on the underside of the hoof are a mystery. Are they just prehistoric relics that don't serve any function and can thus be ignored except for the sake of appearance? Is keeping the outer hoof wall protected against cracks and chips all that really matters? Or do those parts underneath the hoof perform vital functions that can only be ignored to the detriment of the horse? Is it really normal that my horse could hardly walk after he threw a shoe on last Saturday's trail ride?
The hoof is important to overall wellness for several reasons. First, the condition of the hoof is a mirror of the overall condition of the horse. Hoof problems are not isolated in the hoof--they are symptoms of problems somewhere else. Second, the hoof structures must bear and support the weight of the entire horse and absorb tremendous forces, especially on ground contact. Third, the hoof represents the physical connection of the horse to the environment and is influenced and shaped by the environment perhaps more than any other part of the horse.
A hoof problem may be the first noticeable sign or symptom that something is not well inside the horse. Hoof problems can be the first warning that the environment and the way the horse is kept is detrimental to the horse. When considering the purchase of a horse, the hoof can send up a red flag and warn of more serious problems coming down the road.
Trying to learn about the hoof often leads to confusion as you find yourself in a maze of conflicting opinions and beliefs. But horse hoof care is actually simple. It's just basic common sense. This video explains the parts of the hoof, what they do, and why they’re important. It's not just a boring recitation of anatomy and the names and locations of bones, tendons, and ligaments. Instead, it explains what's there from the simple perspective of what it does and why it's important.
Produced by an educated and experienced hoof professional whose main concern is the horse. It is unique in that instead of looking at the hoof as something that can be isolated from the rest of the horse, it looks at the parts of the hoof as forming a dynamic, adaptable, functional, and essential part of the horse as a whole.
Explains what's necessary for long term soundness and include extensive discussion of the root causes of lameness problems. Includes realistic assessments of the different methods of correcting lameness and conformation problems. Discussions about common hoof problems such as thrush, white line disease, forging and stumbling, and what the hoof tells you about the horse as a whole. Thoughtful analysis of common misconceptions about the hoof. An entire section about how you can start a foal off right for a lifetime with strong, healthy hooves.
Developed especially for the horse owner to provide the information we have found horse owners from all disciplines to be so curious about during our hoof care practice ... but it is the information and common sense analysis they found so hard to find in a hoof care world of turf wars, product advertisements, personality promotions, and egos. No boring detail and useless technical terms. We're not trying to impress you with how smart we are. Neither do we jump on the bandwagon promoting a certain kind of hoof care--we let you decide what's best for you and your horse. We just present a basic understanding of hoof function in layman's terms, leaving off the blinders of conventional wisdom (from both the horseshoeing and barefoot worlds) and without the prejudices of trying to promote a certain interpretation of hoof care.
The essential resource for those who want to leave the confusion behind, understand the hoof, and make their own decisions. Useful information for those whose horses are barefoot as well as those whose horses are shod.
Mule owners will also benefit from this video, as the function of mule hooves is the same.
DVD or VHS format. 98 minutes.
Available as part of a set which also includes the video Understanding the Horse--From the Horse's Perspective and the manual Maintaining a Natural Horse.
