Description
Book SynopsisThe equine hoof is a complex marvel of natural engineering, built to withstand tremendous forces and able to adapt to an astonishing range of environmental conditions. It also changes daily—for better or for worse—in response to external and internal factors.
Few horse owners have the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of the hoof, which limits their ability to advocate on their horses' behalf and make informed decisions about hoof care and management. This book is the first resource of its kind to combine the most current and useful information available, gleaned from the research and wisdom of top hoof experts around the world, with a unique 'hands-on' approach.
The authors provide basic terms and anatomy, clearly illustrate the differences between healthy and unhealthy feet, discuss biomechanics and management concerns, and cover the causes, treatments, and prevention of commonly encountered problems, including laminitis, white line disease, and thrush. Along the way, readers are given activities to help them better analyse and understand the most important aspects of equine hoof health, such as hoof balance, depth of sole, and point of breakover.
Easy–to–follow language, over 400 full–colour photographs, and do–it–yourself exercises promise to empower horse owners and caretakers of all experience levels with the tools they need to accurately assess hoof health and keep their horses as sound and happy as possible.
Trade Review'A great resource for all things hoof-related, The Essential Hoof Book truly is essential to have in any barn.'
'What I particularly love about this book is that it does not preach one 'right' way to treat hooves instead, The Essential Hoof Book teaches readers how hooves can be managed rather than 'corrected.' The Essential Hoof Book needs to be on every horse owner's bookshelf.'
'Once you’ve read The Essential Hoof Book, you will have a much deeper understanding of the horse’s hoof and how to keep it healthy and sound in ways you perhaps never thought of—or thought possible.' -- Gene Ovnicek
'Hardcover and spiral-bound, which make it delightful to use as a reference book (why are they not all like that?). With such a wide range of useful information, this is the type of book that is a must-have for all hoof care professionals (farriers/trimmers/vets) ... [and] every single horseowner.'
Table of ContentsForeword by Gene Ovnicek Introduction SECTION ONE: ANATOMY 1. Useful Anatomical Terms 2. Exterior Hoof Anatomy — Coronary band and Hoof Wall 3. Exterior Hoof Anatomy — Solar View 4. Interior Hoof Anatomy SECTION TWO: RECOGNISING HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY FEET 5. Size, Shape, and the Hoof Wall 6. Angles of the Hoof and Heel Assessment 7. Balance and Symmetry 8. Toe Length — The Long and Short of It 9. Frog, Sole, and Bar Health 10. Cracks, Bruises, Abscesses, and Puncture Wounds SECTION THREE: DISEASE PROCESSES INSIDE THE FOOT 11. Laminitis/'Founder' 12. The Chapter Formerly Known as Navicular Disease 13. Sidebone, Ringbone, and Pedal Osteitis SECTION FOUR: CREATING HEALTHY HOOVES 14. How Hooves get Healthy and Stay That Way 15. Going Barefoot 16. A Few Notes on Mules, Donkeys, Minis and Drafts Appendix For Further Information About the Authors Credits Acknowledgements Index
