Horses are majestic animals and a popular choice for those who want to take up horseback riding. To become a successful rider, it is important to understand the anatomy of the horse, including the names of its feet. Knowing the names of the two sets of horse feet is important for horse owners, as it will help them better care for their animals.
Hooves
The lower part of the horse’s leg is referred to as the hoof. The hoof is a strong, protective covering made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails. The hooves protect the sensitive inner structures of the foot, allowing them to bear weight and providing traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Parts of the Hoof
The hoof is composed of several parts:
- The Wall: The wall is the hard outer shell of the hoof. It is made up of several layers of keratin and is responsible for providing protection to the inner structures of the foot.
- The Sole: The sole is the bottom of the hoof, which is in contact with the ground. It is made up of several layers of keratin and is responsible for providing traction and shock absorption when the horse is running or jumping.
- The Frog: The frog is a triangular-shaped structure located at the center of the hoof. It is responsible for providing additional shock absorption and helps the horse remain balanced while running or jumping.
- The Coronary Band: The coronary band is the area located at the top of the hoof, where the hoof meets the skin. It is responsible for producing the majority of the hoof wall.
Pasterns
The pastern is the area located between the fetlock joint and the coronary band. It is composed of two bones and several ligaments and tendons, and is responsible for providing support to the hoof and allowing the horse to move its foot.
Parts of the Pastern
The pastern is composed of several parts:
- The Fetlock Joint: The fetlock joint is a joint located at the lower end of the pastern. It is responsible for providing flexibility and supporting the weight of the horse.
- The Canon Bone: The canon bone is the long bone located at the top of the pastern. It is responsible for providing support to the hoof and allowing the horse to move its foot.
- The Long Pastern Bone: The long pastern bone is the shorter bone located at the bottom of the pastern. It is responsible for providing flexibility and stability to the horse’s foot.
- The Superficial Flexor Tendon: The superficial flexor tendon is a large tendon located at the top of the pastern. It is responsible for providing support to the hoof and allowing the horse to move its foot.
- The Deep Digital Flexor Tendon: The deep digital flexor tendon is a large tendon located at the bottom of the pastern. It is responsible for providing flexibility and stability to the horse’s foot.
Why is it Important to Know the Names of Horse Feet?
Knowing the names of the two sets of horse feet is important for horse owners, as it will help them better care for their animals. For example, the hooves need to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long, which can cause pain and discomfort for the horse. Additionally, it is important to inspect the pasterns regularly for any signs of injury or inflammation, as this can indicate a problem with the horse’s gait.
Signs of Healthy Feet
Healthy horse feet should have a consistent shape and size, with no signs of chipping, cracking or other damage. The hooves should be trimmed regularly, as this will help to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort for the horse. Additionally, the pasterns should be inspected regularly for any signs of injury or inflammation.
Signs of Unhealthy Feet
Unhealthy horse feet may be chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Additionally, the hooves may be too long, which can cause pain and discomfort for the horse. The pasterns may also be swollen or inflamed, which can indicate a problem with the horse’s gait.
How to Care for Horse Feet
Horse feet should be cared for regularly in order to keep them healthy and functioning properly. This includes trimming the hooves regularly, inspecting the pasterns for any signs of injury or inflammation, and using protective booties or shoes when necessary. Additionally, it is important to provide the horse with adequate nutrition, as this can help to ensure strong, healthy hooves and pasterns.
Conclusion
The two sets of horse feet are referred to as hooves and pasterns. The hooves are the hard, protective covering at the bottom of the horse’s foot, while the pasterns are the area located between the fetlock joint and the coronary band. It is important for horse owners to be familiar with the names of these two sets of feet, as this will help them to better care for their animals.