I’m still hooked on hooves - so this week’s post is all about the biomechanics of the hoof!
When we walk, we land with our heels first. The soft fat pad under our calcaneus combined with the flattening of the arch helps to cushion the impact as the foot contacts the ground. As we roll over our toes, the arch raises and the soft tissue structures are stretched, which creates a more rigid foot to push off with. (This is called the windlass mechanism.)
Read MoreNo, I didn’t mean soul!
Today we’re talking about the horse’s sole. The extremely important material covering the bottoms of his feet.
The sole protects the sensitive internal structures of the hoof from the outside world. A horse with a thick sole will travel across rocky surfaces with ease, while a horse with a thin sole will often move comfortably on soft surfaces and then pick his way carefully across stony paths.
Read MorePete Ramey is one of the leaders in the hoof care industry - and I was lucky enough to attend one of his clinics this weekend in beautiful Shelbyville, TN!
We talked anatomy, nutrition, trimming, boot fitting, and glue on shoe applications over the course of two days.
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