Below are key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the December 2025 issue of American Farriers Journal.
Fine-Tuning Jackson’s Hoof-Care Formula
- An observant horse owner can detect and communicate subtle changes in hoof comfort before they escalate.
- Horses with developing arthritic and caudal hoof changes often benefit from targeted frog loading to stabilize the back of the foot and reduce potential pressure on sensitive solar regions.
- Combining firm and flexible pour-in materials allowed Jackson to benefit from both support and cushioning without compromising circulation or movement.
Understanding the Equine Digital Cushion
- The digital cushion, which is the largest structure within the hoof, is made up of collagen fiber bundles, adipose tissue and elastic fibers.
- The lower parts of the digital cushion contain more collagen, while the higher areas have more keratinized tissue. This indicates different regions have different jobs.
- The organization of the tissues is more important than what’s in the cushion. Highly organized tissues add stability to the back of the foot, while weak cushions appear disorganized.
