Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners is hosting the webinar, "A Fresh Look at Heel Anatomy," on Oct. 12, 2025. The clinician is Paige Poss.

Deep within the hoof capsule, a single convergence point of the wall laminae, bar laminae, and sole corium marks the anatomical heel. This area is essentially the “internal seat of corn.” Common anatomical variations occur with different heel shapes. Meticulously taken images help us explore how these structures can be affected and change shape by various factors, such as load on the hoof, compensatory stance, conformation, and environment. Exploring some of the most common changes may provide a better understanding of how to effectively trim various heel types.

Presenter

Paige Poss has dedicated more than 25 years to the hoof-care industry, where she specializes in trimming horse hooves, conducting distal limb anatomy studies, and creating educational materials. Holding a BS degree in Animal Science from North Carolina State University, Paige initially ventured into the field as a lab tech at various research facilities. However, her journey took a turn in 1999 when a lame horse ignited her passion for hoof care. In collaboration with her business partner, Jenny Edwards, Paige co-founded Anatomy of the Equine, LLC, a platform that publishes and sells education materials tailored for farriers and veterinary professionals. Paige’s unique approach blends her love for photography, science, anatomy and art. Her fascination with hoof and horse anatomy has led her to dissect and photographically document hundreds of lower legs and even whole horses. Her most impactful dissection images, to date, focus on the palmar digital nerve as it descends deep into the hoof capsule. In 2020, Paige stepped back into the academic field and was asked to set up and manage the anatomy lab at the new University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. She worked in this lab from 2020-2022 before returning to trimming and lecturing independently. As of 2024, Paige has delved into researching Equine Metabolic Syndrome as a lab tech at the University of Arizona. Paige’s unwavering commitment to understanding hoof mechanics, coupled with her technical skills, positions her as a trailblazer in the industry. Her dissections and clinics provide a creative and encouraging platform for others to explore hoof mechanics. Through her passion for teaching, Paige creates powerful images that not only educate but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the intricate world of horse anatomy. Paige continues to actively participate in clinics and speaking engagements, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience. Currently residing in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Ariz., Paige shares her home with her husband, cats, dog and horses.

When

Cost

$50 PHCP member, $90 non-member

The recording will be available for 6 months.