Anatomy

Footcare & Farrier Business Insights

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:00:00 -0500

Each week our editors will bring you data we collected in our American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Check back weekly for our latest update.

Research Journal: November 2026

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Finally! Some Good Data on DDF Tenotomy for Laminitis
AI to Identify Horses with Increased Fracture Risk
Coconuts for Wound Healing
Leg Wraps Affect Movement

Foot of the Week by Pete Healey

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Every decision made with the rasp, nippers, knife, shoe, pad or other appliance has the potential to change the relationship between the hoof capsule and the structures contained within that capsule.

The Gallop: Consequences for the Carpus & Hoof

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:44:53 -0400

The very fact that a horse is called upon to gallop implies a high level of athletic demand, higher than that typically required by the walk, amble or trot gaits that we have previously reviewed in this series. In our last installment, we detailed the biomechanics and stride characteristics of galloping. This prepares us to now take a closer view of some possible side effects of galloping, especially as they relate to the hoof but also to the horse’s carpal joint or “knee.”

Flexor Demand in the Equine Distal Limb

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Understanding the biomechanical framework linking hoof morphology, DDFT load & distal limb mechanics

The Gallop: Horses at Speed

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The canter and gallop are similar in that both are asymmetrical and thus can be performed on either a right or left lead. However, the canter is slower and daintier, while the gallop, by contrast, is the gait of the war horse, polo horse, jumper and racehorse.

Managing Distorted Hoof Growth

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Conformation faults can create various hoof issues.

Information on the Coronary Band

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In a first of its kind study of foot physiology conducted on more than 300 horses and ponies, the authors found that the shape of the coronary band is identical to the white line.

What makes an Unhealthy or Healthy Digital Cushion?

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The digital cushion is a vital part of the equine foot, and its health should be accounted for when considering a shoeing package.

Front vs. Hind Limb Function

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The difference between the workload of the front and hind limbs on a horse is often a confusing concept.

What is the Purpose of the Frog in a Horse’s Foot?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The frog can be used for shock absorption when allowed to contact the ground.

Defining a Horse’s Balance

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Balance could be a series of points that move in a predictable fashion.

How to Spot Collateral Ligament Injuries

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Collateral ligament injuries of the coffin joint are a common injury among certain athletic horses.

International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame Welcomes 2027 Class

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Three veterinarians are joining an exclusive company of hoof-care professionals with their election to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame.

Jackson Transitions to Barefoot

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Increased hoof growth leads to late cycle discomfort & a new direction

How the Trot & Pseudo-Trot Affect the Equine Hoof

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The first take-home here for farriers is to realize that everything that goes “clip-clop” is not a trot.

Farrier Takeaways: March 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Read key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the March 2026 issue of American Farriers Journal.

How Does Your Business Compare? Take the Farrier Business Practices Survey Today

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:43:34 -0500

American Farriers Journal needs your help in assessing the state of the farrier industry. Take the confidential Farrier Business Practices Survey today. Responses close March 15, 2026.

International Hoof-Care Summit Highlights: Feb 3-4

mkrueger@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:28:46 -0500

Missing the Summit? Check in here for a recap of the first two days of the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit.

Research Journal: March 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Standing Keratoma Removal Surgery
Tenotomy & Clogs for Laminitis
Acoustic Myography to Assess Ground Reaction Forces
Measuring Mini Horse & Pony Feet

The Equine Walk: “Mother of All Gaits”

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Farriers can extend a horse’s working life by teaching how to bend the hind joints.

Radiographs Lead to a Simplified Reset

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Jackson’s joints no longer tolerate mechanical influence. Meaningful progress often doesn’t come from doing more, but from understanding when less is enough by respecting physiological limits and responding thoughtfully to feedback.

Farrier Takeaways: January/February 2026

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Read key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the January/February 2026 issue of American Farriers Journal.

Clearing Up Biomechanical Confusion in Equine Hoof Care

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Hall of Fame farrier tackles support, length, traction, resistance, leverage & more

Research Helps Explain Tendon Injuries in Aging Equines

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed important light on why aging tendons are more vulnerable to injury and slower to heal. By identifying specific age-related changes in tendon blood vessels, this study opens the door to new therapeutic approaches.

Understanding the Equine Palmar Digital Nerve

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Paige Poss dissection helps identify common hoof discomfort

Farrier Takeaways: December 2025

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Read key farrier takeaways from several of the features found in the December 2025 issue of American Farriers Journal.

Horseshoeing & Equine Veterinarian Halls of Fame Elect 6 New Members

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Six hoof-care professionals are set for induction into the International Horseshoeing and Equine Veterinarian Halls of Fame in early February at the 2026 International Hoof-Care Summit in the Cincinnati Metro Area.

Assessing Pastern Conformation & Its Effects

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

Pastern conformation is to be evaluated in the same way as the conformation of the carpus, that is, by first visualizing the plane of assessment, and then by scanning for rotations and deviations (offsets are rarely found at this joint or the coffin joint).

What Makes a Weak or Strong Digital Cushion?

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

A weak digital cushion has about the same amount of collagen and fat as a strong one — the difference is in how those tissues are organized.