Home Farrier Wisdom		First Posted: Sept 28, 2012 Updated: Jan 21, 2020

Horse Hoof Anatomy

Anatomy of the Horse's Hoof, part one, provided by eXtension

Anatomy of the Horse's Hoof, part two, provided by eXtension

Structures of the Hoof

Hoof wall: The hard, exterior "capsule" of the hoof.
Coffin bone (also called the third phalanx, P3, or pedal bone): The largest, hoof- -shaped bone within the hoof capsule.
Laminae: Velcrolike tissues within the hoof that suspend the coffin bone inside the hoof wall.
Blood vessels and nerves: These supply the hoof tissues with critical oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products.
Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT): A tendon that attaches to the back of the coffin bone and runs up the backside of the hoof. The deep digital flexor tendon is a large component of how a horse flexes his foot each time he takes a step.
Frog: The v-shaped, calluslike cushion on the underside of the hoof.
Sole: The bottom of the hoof.

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