Uncover the language of the hoof with our comprehensive illustrations of directional terminology of the horses hoof, perfect for horse owners, professionals, and enthusiasts alike!
As we have said in previous posts, it really is important to be able to communicate accurately and efficiently with your horses team members to best advocate for your horse or you clients horses. To help you, we have previously published glossary of terms of all things hoof related in common use ion the hoof care industry: https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/post/glossary-of-terms-of-the-horses-hoof
You can also learn about parts of the horse and the horses hoof in our blog article here: https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/post/identifying-parts-of-the-horse-and-hoof
There might be regional differences in how these terms are used but here's a summary of the most commonly used directional terms of the hoof with illustrations:
Caudal - the back half of the horses hoof, eg. the heel region
Cranial - the front half of the horses hoof, eg. the toe region
Distal - further most part of a structure or structure to the body, eg. P3 is distal to P2
Dorsal - towards the front of the body, eg, the dorsal hoof wall
Lateral - away from the midline of the horse, eg the outer part of the left fore hoof
Medial - towards the midline of the horse, eg the inside of the left fore hoof
Palmar - the solar aspect of the FRONT hoof facing away from the body of the horse and continuing up the back of the lower limb to the back of the knee
Plantar - the solar aspect of the HIND hoof facing away from the body of the horse and continuing up to the back of the lower limb to the hock
Proximal - closer most part of a structure or structure to the body, eg. P1 is proximal to P2
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Additional resources and assistance
We take an integrative and holistic approach to whole horse hoof and body health. We appreciate the relationship between body, limb and hoof and seek to address imbalances while positively influencing appropriate static and dynamic hoof balance and biomechanics.
Check out our self study online courses including PRO-Active hoof mapping - how to recognise healthy hooves as well as how to assess and track changes using modern hoof mapping tool HoofmApp
We also recommend you learn how to document horses hooves and body using this FREE self study online course, whether you trim your own, your clients horses, are an equine professional (in any capacity/field) or simply want to track and monitor progress of your horses hooves and the impact their hoof care has on their posture.
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Beccy Smith BSc ADAEP EBW
Diploma in Advanced Applied Equine Podiatry and now an Independent Integrative Equine Podiatrist, Consultant and Therapist. Certified Lazaris Nerve Release TM Practitioner
CEO and Founder of 100% Non-Profit Community Interest Company Holistic Reflections CIC
Holistic Reflections CIC – a 100% non-profit organisation promoting wellbeing and resilience in people, horses and the environment - for the benefit of all.