The Hoofcare Companion

Hoof abscesses are one of the most common causes of sudden lameness in horses, but how much do you really understand about their causes, diagnosis and treatment? In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the pathology of hoof abscesses, examining how bacteria enter the foot, the predisposing factors involved and why an apparently minor lesion can cause severe pain. We discuss the clini...

White Line Disease & Seedy Toe in the Horse What is the difference between white line disease and seedy toe? Are they actually the same condition and is white line disease really just a fungal infection? In this episode, we look beyond the visible cavity to explore what is happening inside the hoof and why understanding the underlying mechanics is essential for successful treatment. We cover:...

In this special preview, Marc Jerram introduces The Farrier’s Mindset , a 6 hour audiobook created primarily to help apprentice farriers prepare for written and professional discussion examinations. Rather than simply providing more information to memorise, the audiobook focuses on how to think with the knowledge you already have . Farriery examinations require more than recalling facts. You need...

The Equine Pastern: Anatomy & Function In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we explore the anatomy and function of the equine pastern and examine why this relatively small region of the limb is so important to soundness, movement and hoofcare. We look at the proximal and middle phalanges , the pastern joint and its relationship with the coffin joint. The episode also explores the import...

The Equine Fetlock Joint | The Hoofcare Companion In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we explore the anatomy and function of one of the horse's most important distal limb joints — the fetlock. We examine the bones that form the fetlock, including the distal metacarpus/metatarsus, proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones, before looking at the joint capsule and the structures that...

A Articulação do Artelho do Cavalo | O Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos Neste episódio do Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos, exploramos a anatomia e a função de uma das articulações distais mais importantes do cavalo — o artelho. Examinamos os ossos que formam o artelho, incluindo o metacarpo/metatarso distal, a falange proximal e os ossos sesamóides proximais, antes de olhar para a cápsu...

The Hoofcare Companion – The Equine Carpus In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we explore the anatomy and function of the equine carpus (knee) . You'll learn about the bones, joints and supporting soft tissues that make up the carpus, how it contributes to shock absorption and locomotion, and why it is one of the most commonly injured regions of the equine forelimb. Designed for farri...

Der Hoofcare Companion – Das Pferdegelenk In dieser Folge von Der Hoofcare Companion erkunden wir die Anatomie und Funktion des Pferdegelenks (Knie). Du erfährst alles über die Knochen, Gelenke und unterstützenden Weichteile des Gelenks, wie es zur Stoßdämpfung und Bewegung beiträgt und warum es eine der am häufigsten verletzten Regionen des Pferdefrontbeins ist. Gedacht für Hufschmiedelehrlinge,...

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion , we explore the anatomy and function of the extensor tendons of the equine forelimb and hind limb . Understanding these important structures is essential for farriers, veterinary professionals and equine science students, as they play a key role in normal locomotion, limb stability and the diagnosis of lameness. We'll discuss the principal extensor t...

En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado de Casco, exploramos la anatomía y función de los tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras de los caballos. Entender estas estructuras importantes es esencial para herradores, profesionales veterinarios y estudiantes de ciencia equina, ya que juegan un papel clave en la locomoción normal, la estabilidad de las extremidades y el diagnóstico...

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...