The Hoofcare Companion

The Final Episode in the Series In the final episode of this educational farriery series, Marc Jerram takes a deep dive into one of the most discussed and challenging causes of chronic forelimb lameness in the horse, navicular syndrome. This episode explores the modern understanding of navicular syndrome and explains why it is no longer viewed as a disease of the navicular bone alone, but rather a...

In this episode, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked structures in the equine hoof — the frog. From its role in shock absorption and circulation to its importance as a diagnostic reference point in farriery, this episode breaks down everything you need to know in a clear and practical way. We also explore common frog pathologies, how they develop, and most importantly how to...

Hoof boots are transforming modern farriery—but are you using them correctly? In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , host Marc Jerram breaks down everything you need to know about hoof boots, from their historical origins to their role in performance, barefoot management, and rehabilitation. Whether you're a farrier, vet, or horse owner, this episode will help you understand when, why, a...

Interference injuries are more than just knocks and cuts, they’re often a sign of deeper biomechanical inefficiencies within the horse. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , Marc Jerram takes a detailed look at the causes, types, and farriery strategies used to manage interference. From forging and overreach to brushing and toe drag, we break down how and why these injuries occur, and most i...

In this episode, we explore the precision of shoeing the dressage horse, from Intro level through to Grand Prix. Learn how different movements influence hoof loading, how to assess the horse both statically and dynamically, and how shoeing strategies adapt to surfaces, conformation, and performance demands. We cover trimming principles, shoe selection, barefoot management, and the importance of wo...

Cushings disease, correctly termed pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, is one of the most important endocrine disorders affecting the ageing horse and a leading underlying cause of laminitis and chronic hoof pathology. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , host Marc Jerram delivers a clear, farriery focused overview of Cushings disease, explaining how pituitary dysfunction leads to widesp...

In this episode , we take an in depth look at one of the most critical yet often underestimated structures of the equine hoof: the coronary band. This episode is essential listening for farriers, veterinarians, and serious hoof care professionals who want a deeper understanding of how coronary band health directly influences hoof wall quality, growth, and long term soundness. We begin by exploring...

Sidebone is one of the most commonly encountered structural changes within the equine foot, particularly in heavier horses and those exposed to repetitive concussive forces. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we take an in depth look at sidebone from a farriery perspective, exploring not only what it is, but why it develops, how it alters hoof biomechanics and how informed trimming and sh...

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , Marc Jerram takes an in-depth look at the suspensory ligaments of the lower limb , exploring teir anatomy, function, common injury patterns, and most importantly the farriery principles that influence both injury risk and rehabilitation . Suspensory and navicular-related injuries remain one of the most common causes of chronic lameness and loss of perfor...

Medio-lateral balance is one of the most influential and most misunderstood principles in farriery. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we explore what medio-lateral balance really means, why visual symmetry can be misleading, and how poor balance contributes to long term lameness and pathology. Marc explores how farriers should assess medio-lateral balance both statically and dynamically,...

Hoof wall cracks are one of the most commonly encountered yet frequently misunderstood conditions in equine hoof care. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , Marc Jerram takes an in-depth look at hoof wall cracks, breaking down the different types, why they occur, how they affect soundness, and how farriers and veterinarians can work together to manage them effectively. From superficial cosme...

In this Christmas Special of The Hoofcare Companion , host Marc Jerram reflects on the demands of elite racehorse farriery while thanking listeners for their incredible support throughout 2025. This episode takes a deep dive into the specialised art and science of shoeing the Thoroughbred racehorse — an athlete operating at the absolute limits of biomechanical performance. From breed-specific hoof...

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we take a look into one of the most fundamental yet often misunderstood concepts in farriery and hoof care: the hoof pastern axis. Using anatomy, biomechanics, and real world farriery principles, this episode explains what a normal hoof pastern axis looks like, why it matters for soundness and performance, and how broken back and broken forward alignment...

In this episode, we explore Angular Limb Deformities (ALDs) in foals—one of the most important developmental challenges faced by breeders, farriers, and equine veterinarians. These early-life limb deviations can influence a horse’s long-term soundness, athletic potential, and overall welfare. This conversation unpacks what ALDs are, how they develop, how to diagnose them, and the full spectrum of...

In this episode, we explore how the major dietary macrominerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulphur shape the health of the equine hoof from the inside out. We break down the biological roles of each mineral, their influence on keratin formation, circulation, immune function, and inflammation control, and how imbalances can lead to structural hoof defects or sy...

 In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , host Marc Jerram explores one of the most significant yet often misunderstood hoof injuries — pedal bone fractures . Joined by expert insights from veterinary and farriery perspectives, Marc breaks down how these fractures occur, how they’re classified, and the latest approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Listeners will gain a clear un...

 En este episodio de The Hoofcare Companion , el presentador Marc Jerram analiza una de las lesiones del casco más importantes pero a menudo mal comprendidas: las fracturas del hueso pedial . Con la participación de expertos en veterinaria y herrería, Marc explica cómo se producen estas fracturas, cómo se clasifican y cuáles son los métodos más recientes para su diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabili...

 In questo episodio di The Hoofcare Companion , il conduttore Marc Jerram approfondisce uno degli infortuni più importanti ma spesso fraintesi del piede equino: le fratture dell’osso pedale . Con il contributo di esperti in veterinaria e mascalcia, Marc spiega come si verificano queste fratture, la loro classificazione e i più recenti metodi di diagnosi, trattamento e riabilitazione. Gli ascoltato...

 In this episode, we explore coffin joint arthritis,  a common yet complex cause of lameness in horses. Discover how this degenerative joint condition affects performance, and how diagnostic tools like nerve blocks, radiographs, and advanced imaging guide precise farriery and veterinary treatment. We discuss trimming and shoeing strategies to relieve joint stress, supportive therapies such as join...

 In questo episodio analizziamo l’ artrite dell’articolazione del piede —una delle principali cause di zoppia nei cavalli. Scopri come questa condizione degenerativa influisce sulle prestazioni e come strumenti diagnostici come i blocchi nervosi, le radiografie e le immagini avanzate possano guidare interventi precisi di mascalcia e terapia veterinaria. Parliamo delle tecniche di pareggio e ferrat...

 En este episodio abordamos la artritis de la articulación del casco , una causa frecuente y compleja de cojera en los caballos. Analizamos cómo esta enfermedad degenerativa afecta el rendimiento y cómo herramientas diagnósticas como los bloqueos nerviosos, las radiografías y la imagen avanzada ayudan a planificar tratamientos precisos de herraje y veterinaria. También exploramos las estrategias d...

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we dive into the critical role of radiography in assessing equine foot balance . Traditionally, farriers and veterinarians relied on visual and tactile assessment to guide trimming and shoeing, but modern diagnostic imaging has transformed hoof care. Join host Marc Jerram as we explore how radiographs provide deeper insights into hoof alignment, pastern...

In questo episodio di The Hoofcare Companion, esploriamo il ruolo cruciale della radiografia nella valutazione dell’equilibrio del piede equino. Tradizionalmente, maniscalchi e veterinari si affidavano alla valutazione visiva e tattile per orientare la paratura e la ferratura, ma l’imaging diagnostico moderno ha trasformato la cura del piede.  Unisciti all’host Marc Jerram mentre esploriamo come l...

En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado del Casco, exploramos el papel crítico de la radiografía en la evaluación del equilibrio del casco equino. Tradicionalmente, herradores y veterinarios confiaban en la evaluación visual y táctil para guiar el recorte y el calzado, pero la imagenología diagnóstica moderna ha transformado el cuidado del casco. Únete al anfitrión Marc Jerram mientras explor...

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , host Marc Jerram explores one of the most valuable tools in equine veterinary diagnostics: nerve blocks . From the basics of how they work to their role in pinpointing the source of lameness, this episode takes you step by step through the science, techniques, and practical applications of perineural anaesthesia. We discuss the different types of nerve b...