Marc Jerram BSc (Hons) Grad Dip ELR CJF AWCF Registered Farrier

Anatomy and function of the suspensory ligament

Introduction Medio lateral balance is a foundational concept in farriery that directly influences equine soundness, joint stability and performance. It refers to the distribution of load between the medial and lateral sides of the hoof and limb throughout stance and locomotion. Although often oversimplified as symmetry of the hoof capsule, true medio lateral balance is a functional relationship that integrates conformation, muscular dynamics, hoof capsule geometry and movemen

Introduction Hoof wall cracks represent one of the most common, yet complex pathologies encountered in equine farriery practice (Parks, 2012; O’Grady and Poupard, 2013). They range from superficial cosmetic defects to severe, painful lesions capable of compromising soundness and athletic longevity (Dyson, 2011). For the farrier, hoof wall cracks demand a sound understanding of hoof anatomy, biomechanics, horn quality, and the interaction between trimming, shoeing, and the for

Introduction The racehorse represents the pinnacle of equine athletic performance. The Thoroughbred breed is conditioned to operate at the limits of speed, stamina, and biomechanical efficiency. Farriery plays a fundamental role in enabling this performance, as the hoof is the primary interface between the horse and the ground, transmitting and dissipating enormous forces during high-speed locomotion (Clayton, 2016). Shoeing the racehorse therefore demands a far higher level

Introduction The hoof pastern axis HPA is a foundational concept in hoof anatomy farriery and equine biomechanics. It describes the alignment relationship between the dorsal surface of the hoof wall and the dorsal surface of the pastern encompassing the proximal phalanx P1 middle phalanx P2 and distal phalanx P3. When viewed laterally the ideal hoof pastern axis presents as a straight continuous line from the dorsal pastern to the toe of the hoof. This alignment is not merely

Introduction Limb ligament injuries represent one of the most common causes of performance limitation, lameness, and long-term unsoundness in the equine athlete. Yet, the mechanisms that underlie these injuries are often complex and multifactorial. While veterinarians, physiotherapists, and trainers often approach the issue through clinical or conditioning lenses, the farrier plays a crucial if sometimes under-appreciated role in prevention, management, and rehabilitation. In

Introduction Laminitis remains one of the most devastating and complex conditions affecting the equine foot with repercussions that extend beyond lameness to influence the horse’s overall welfare performance and longevity. Historically it was often regarded as a localised hoof disorder but contemporary evidence confirms laminitis is a systemic inflammatory condition with multifactorial origins involving metabolic dysregulation gastrointestinal disturbance and mechanical overl

How indicators on the hoof can suggest back pain is present.

Introduction Lameness is one of the most common reasons for veterinary investigation, farriery intervention and performance decline in...

An in depth article exploring the critical role of macrominerals and how they influence hoof health.

An article fully explaining the causes and effects of hoof abscesses. How to treat and rehabilitate the hoof.

Understand the composition of the hoof wall, how it grows and the factors that affect growth rate.

An easy to read guide on pedal bone fractures in horses.

This article will help you understand how x-rays assess hoof balance.

Summary This is a report case of Laminitis that was complicated by the diagnosis of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Disfunction (PPID) and a...

Introduction The trot is one of the most fundamental gaits in horses, characterized by a two-beat diagonal movement pattern. It is a...

Has your horse ever had Seedy toe? Click to learn more about this hoof infection.