Support, length, traction, resistance, leverage & more are all found in physics and biomechanical books. Most all have meanings we assume are common knowledge. So, why the confusion?

I have heard speakers at large gatherings say they didn’t know what support was, as they couldn’t define it. “Extrinsic and intrinsic factors acting upon a body providing static and/or dynamic stability so that body can function without failure.” That is at least a definition that also makes sense. Extrinsic means outside the body and obviously intrinsic means inside the body. Body is not limited to living bodies; it applies to structures and machines, as well.

As farriers, we augment these factors or diminish them as we alter parameters of the hoof by measurable means, such as surface area, length from toe to heel and length of shoe. Practically any feature of the hoof that we manage can be adjusted as we practice our trade.

Length is pretty much in the way of our regular thought process. Length of toe, horizontal component of…