This mustang cadaver hoof belongs to Pete Ramey. In this cadaver, half the hoof capsule and leg tissues have been removed to expose the coffin and pastern bones. Note that the top of the coffin bone (extensor process) is in line with the top of the hoof wall.

It is important to note that the bones inside this hoof capsule, like in all healthy wild hooves, are suspended very high. This means that the coffin bone actually sits higher inside the hoof capsule than is the case in most domestic hooves.

The bones sitting higher inside the hoof capsule accounts for the “shortness” of the hoof appearance. Toes and heels this short simply cannot be trimmed this way, they are created from the inside out! The outer hoof is a reflection of the inner structures.

Understanding just what makes hooves healthy is crucial for making the best trimming decisions. We must avidly study the hooves of free-roaming, healthy horses, and apply that knowledge to our domestic hooves.

by James and Yvonne Welz, published 2011 Hoof Help Online

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