Natural Balance Hoofcare

Definitions & Terminology

Basic Anatomical & Relational Terminology
Distal Phalanx -Also known as the third phalanx, P-3, or the coffin bone of the equine foot.
Medial - For our purposes, this refers to the inside (toward the horse's mid-line) of the limb.
Lateral - For our purposes, this refers to the outside (away from the horse) of the limb. In Rodiographic (X-Ray) terminology, this generally refers to a Radiograph or X-Ray that was taken from the side view and perpendicular to the limb.
Medial/Lateral or M/L - In hoofcare terms this means from the inside to the outside of the hoof or side-to-side.
Anterior (or cranial) - For our purposes, this refers to the front portion of the limb.
Posterior (or caudal) - For our purposes, this refers to the back portion of the limb.
Anterior/Posterior or A/P - In hoofcare terms this means from the front to the back of the hoof.
Dorsal - For our purposes, this refers to the frontal portion of the hoof or coffin bone.
Proximal - For our purposes, this refers to the upper aspect of an anatomical structure.
Distal - For our purposes, this refers to the bottom (generally used when describing the bottom border of the coffin bone).
Ventral - For our purposes, this is a directional reference to "BELOW".
Quarters - In hoofcare terminology, this refers to the sides of the hoof wall. If looking at the bottom of a foot, where the center of the toe is at the 12:00 position, the quarters would be at the 3:00 and 9:00 position.
Toe Quarters - Again, looking at the bottom of the foot using the clock analogy, the toe quarters would fall at approximately the 10:00 and 2:00 positions.
Heel Quarters - Again, looking at the bottom of the foot using the clock analogy, the heel quarters would fall at approximately the 8:00 and 4:00 positions.

Sole Callus
The “sole callus” is the functional epidermal tissue that extends beyond the anterior distal border of the third phalanx, and is seen as the raised area just inside, or axial to the hoof wall in the front part of the foot. The sole callus maintains its relationship with the distal phalanx in the toe quarters (10:00 and 2:00) and adapts quickly to changes in the environment to best offer protection and support to the distal phalanx. (Figure 1)
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Live Sole
The “live sole” is described as the functional epidermal sole tissue that is ventral to the third phalanx, and is seen as a waxy appearing surface (once the exfoliated, chalky material is removed). (Represented in Figure 1 as the pink area.)

LONG Definition (Description) of the Natural Balance Trim
To start, we should define what good hoof balance consists of. In our opinion, the hoof is balance when the bottom of the distal phalanx (P-3 or coffin bone) is parallel to the ground on a medial/lateral (inside to outside) plane. From an anterior/posterior (front to back) plane, the distal phalanx should be elevated between 3 to 5 degrees, proximal caudally (up in the back). (Figure 2)
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To achieve this goal, X-Rays show that each side of the live sole callus of the toe is equal thickness from the distal border of P-3 to the ground. The wall is prepared equal in height to the sole callus at the toe. This will ensure that the weight bearing is shared by the full thickness of the sole callus at the medial and lateral toe quarters, and the inner edge of the hoof wall (the stratum medium). The hoof wall is rolled (rockered) ahead of the inner edge of the sole callus, approximately 10 to 15 degrees, to produce a natural breakover wear pattern seen on self-maintaining horses and domestic horses that have reasonable area to roam (also seen on shoes that have been worn any amount of time). Frog parts are trimmed only when they are obviously exfoliating. The bars are trimmed to the height of the outer wall or not at all, except in cases where they are rolled over and are flat with the sole. At that time, they should be removed enough to encourage a more upright regrowth. The hoof wall behind the toe quarters is trimmed to the same height as the functional sole through the widest part of the foot. The heel is left with a height that is close to the level of the frog. Special attention should be given to leave adequate sole thickness below the distal border of P-3, which is the functional sole callus. This procedure is consistent with what is seen on horses that have self-maintaining feet, both domestic and feral (wild).

SHORT Definition (Description) of the Natural Balance Trim
To start, we should define what good hoof balance consists of. In my opinion, the hoof is balance when the bottom of the distal phalanx (P-3 or cofin bone) is parallel to the ground on a medial/lateral (inside to outside) plane. From an anterior/posterior (front to back) plane, the distal phalanx should be elevated between 3 to 5 degrees, proximal caudally (up in the back). (Figure 2) This can be achieved by using the live, functional sole structures (frog, bars, sole callus, live sole) to balance the foot. A slight rocker should be produced from the inner edge of the sole callus, foward. The remaining hoof wall should be trimmed relative to the live sole and the heels should end near the back of the frog. The only frog and bars that should be removed is that which is already exfoliating. Results should be consistent with how horses wear their feet in a self-maintaining environment (domestic or feral).

*Please keep in mind that these definitions and/or terminology may not be exact or complete by AAEP or other veterinary and farrier organizations standards. They have been modified to satisfy the usage within this website.


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