What to look for in a healthy hoof

Frog 
50 to 60 % wide as it is long, with good bulk and no infection. Central sulcus should look like a thumb print.

Important vehicle for stimulus to capsule and internal arch* apparatus. Isolates distortion to rear (caudal) aspect of foot. Aids in traction.


Sole
Concave and good thickness, without exfoliating or false sole.

Offers protection to dermal layer, also support to bone column and internal arch* apparatus, which provides suspension. 

Heels
Placement should be in line with widest part of healthy frog. Should have good purchase and high proportion of inner wall

Absorbs and utilises energy created at initial; impact. Initiates pastern descent. 

Bars
Straight with good ratio of inner and outer wall, good attachment to heels.

Acts as additional support to foot as it distorts and utilises energy. Soil forced into collateral grooves helps stimulate the healthy growth of underlying cartilages.


Wall
Outer wall – tough tubules produced by papillae at coronary band. Should be free from infection, flare and cracking.

Tough  protection,  acts like spring – storing and releasing energy.

Inner wall – intratubular horn produced by secondary lamina. Should be free from infection, flare and cracking.

Flexible with higher moisture content.  Acts as buffer between dermal layer and hard outer wall.


Toe
Needs good ratio of both inner and outer wall.  Should be free from infection, flare and cracking.

Utilises and then releases excess energy into ground at break over.


Lateral Cartilages
Bulky, firm and rounded

Absorbs and utilises energy as heels land and capsule distorts. Dermal layer and internal arch* receive stimulus and neurological response enabled.*Internal Arch comprises Pedal bone (P3), navicular bone, all ligaments/connective tissue of coffin joint, lateral cartilages, digital cushion and all remaining connective tissue in the foot. 

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