© M. Savoldi, J. Bramblett, and V. Rose
Dept. of Animal & Veterinary Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

published in ANVIL Magazine, August 1998

INTRODUCTION
In the current field of farrier science, traditional horseshoeing overlooks the interior and exterior correlation of heel mechanics. The mechanics can be addressed by examining the internal features of the hoof capsule. Knowledge of these mechanics allows the external portion of the heel to be addressed by farriers and veterinarians alike to prevent capsule and heel distortion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve horse legs from different breeds were collected from a local rendering plant. The feet were kept frozen until needed for dissection. Removal of the hoof wall from the distal border of the coronary band to just below the proximal border of the sole was the first step of the dissection process. This exposed the internal structures of the foot: Laminae, coffin bone, sole, cartilage, and corium of the sole. The laminae were removed and the coffin bone meticulously scraped and cleaned. This allowed the sole and heel to be viewed. Each foot was then photographed with a 35mm Canon AE1 with a macro lens.

DISCUSSION
Anatomically the heel is comprised of two sections: the vertical depth (the vertical distance from the distal border of the coronary band to the proximal border of the sole) and length of hoof wall. These two areas are subjected to both ascending ground force and conformational descending forces. Due to the force, there will be an associated loss of vertical depth to the heel and collapsing of the hoof wall. A possible preventative measure proposed in this project identifies a partial reduction of hoof wall so that a sound base is then established. Trimming to uniform sole thickness thereby reduces hoof wall distortion.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the Equine Research Center and the Kellogg Arabian Horse Center for providing materials, the availability of their equipment and use of their facilities.

Equine foot before dissection	Equine foot after dissection
The top white arrow shows the angle relation to vertical depth of heel. Note the unequal sole thickness	The black arrow on the left shows the length of the wall. The white arrow above it shows the vertical depth of the heel.
The black arrow on the left shows the length of the wall. The white arrow above it shows the vertical depth of the heel.	The arrow points to a loss of vertical depth of the heel.
The graphics below further illustrate various conditions of vertical depth and length of hoof wall.

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