KEY
Assignment
Topic # 3184B
Anatomy of the Equine Hoof
Created by: Tracey Hoffman
Source: http://muextension.missouri.edu/explor/agguides/ansci/g02740.htm
Read the Extension Bulletin on Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot and answer the
following questions.
1. What three things is the horse’s hoof composed of?
Wall, sole, frog
2. What visible when hoof is lifted off the ground?
Sole, frog, bars of the wall, and collateral grooves
3. What part of the hoof is produced continuously?
Wall of the hoof
4. Does the hoof wall contain blood vessels?
No
5. What is the difference in thickness between the front feet and the hind feet?
Front feet the wall is the thickest. Back feet the hoof wall is more uniform.
6. Where is the navilcular bone located?
Between the 2nd and 3rd phalanges above the deep flexor muscle tendon
7. What is the digital cushion?
Mass of flexible material that contributes to the formation of the heels.
8. What is the frog?
Highly elastic wedge-shaped mass.
9. What happens when the foot is placed on the ground?
Blood is forced from the foot to the leg by increase in pressure and change in shape of
the digital cushion and frog.
10. What happens when the foot is lifted?
Frog and other flexible structures of the foot return to original position.
11. What is the rate of growth of the hoof?
3/8 inch per month
12. What causes the hoof wall to become dry?
When the material that prevents evaporation of moisture is deficient.