I wrote an article in the late 1980s on the development of the third phalanx (P3) from a neonate to an adult of 3 years of age. That article went into the stages of morphological development from the dorsal surface to the cup on the bottom and the palmar processes (wing tips). That developmental process is dependent on the animal having a somewhat normal weight-bearing posture. Excessive, abnormal, or focused compression features should not exceed osmotic cellular pressures, ensuring that the growth period occurs in a timely and correct manner. This excessive compression process is similar to a tourniquet, bed sores or other pressure necrosis.

The 22nd annual International Hoof-Care Summit in Kansas City, Mo., welcomed new and old faces for 4 days of intensive footcare education.

This installment brings the focus down to the hoof in two parts: first, a biomechanical model of hoof form; and second, how the model’s predictions concerning horses that habitually carry themselves crookedly work out in real-world examples.