The Hoofcare Companion

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the extensor tendons of the equine forelimb and hind limb. Understanding these important structures is essential for farriers, veterinary professionals and equine science students, as they play a key role in normal locomotion, limb stability and the diagnosis of lameness.
We'll discuss the principal extensor tendons of both the forelimb and hind limb, including their origin, route, insertion and function, before examining their clinical significance and how injuries can affect movement and performance. You'll also discover why extensor tendon injuries often carry a more favourable prognosis than flexor tendon injuries and why this knowledge is valuable when assessing horses in everyday practice.
This episode has been designed as an educational resource for farriery apprentices, qualified farriers, veterinary surgeons, equine veterinary nurses, equine physiotherapists, equine science students and horse owners wishing to develop a deeper understanding of equine anatomy.
To support inclusive learning and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), this episode includes clearly defined learning outcomes, a readable companion article and five retrieval questions to reinforce learning and improve long-term knowledge retention.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this episode, you should be able to:
Describe the anatomy of the extensor tendons of the equine forelimb and hind limb, including their origin, route and insertion.
Explain the primary functions of the extensor tendons during locomotion and their role in maintaining normal limb movement.
Recognise the clinical significance of extensor tendon injuries and understand how knowledge of their anatomy assists farriers in assessing lameness and planning appropriate farriery interventions.
Retrieval Questions
Name the two principal extensor tendons found in the equine forelimb and the two principal extensor tendons found in the hind limb.
Where does the common digital extensor tendon insert, and why is this attachment important for normal locomotion?
What are the primary functions of the extensor tendons during the swing phase of the stride?
Which nerves supply the extensor muscles of the forelimb and hind limb, and what gait abnormality may occur if these nerves are damaged?
Why do extensor tendon injuries generally have a better prognosis than injuries to the superficial or deep digital flexor tendons?
Thank you for listening to The Hoofcare Companion. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review and sharing it with colleagues, fellow students and other equine professionals. Your support helps make evidence-based farriery education accessible to a wider audience.
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To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:
Store | thefarrier
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The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado de Casco, exploramos la anatomía y función de los tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras de los caballos. Entender estas estructuras importantes es esencial para herradores, profesionales veterinarios y estudiantes de ciencia equina, ya que juegan un papel clave en la locomoción normal, la estabilidad de las extremidades y el diagnóstico de cojera. Hablaremos de los principales tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras, incluyendo su origen, recorrido, inserción y función, antes de examinar su importancia clínica y cómo las lesiones pueden afectar el movimiento y el rendimiento. También descubrirás por qué las lesiones de los tendones extensores suelen tener un pronóstico más favorable que las lesiones de tendones flexores y por qué este conocimiento es valioso al evaluar caballos en la práctica diaria. Este episodio ha sido diseñado como un recurso educativo para aprendices de herrería, herradores cualificados, veterinarios, enfermeros veterinarios equinos, fisioterapeutas equinos y estudiantes de ciencia equina.
Support the show
To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:
Store | thefarrier
For an eBook version visit here:
The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Final Episode in the Series
In the final episode of this educational farriery series, Marc Jerram takes a deep dive into one of the most discussed and challenging causes of chronic forelimb lameness in the horse, navicular syndrome.
This episode explores the modern understanding of navicular syndrome and explains why it is no longer viewed as a disease of the navicular bone alone, but rather as a complex condition involving the entire navicular apparatus including the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues within the foot.
Marc breaks down the anatomy and biomechanics of the navicular region in a practical and easy to understand format before discussing how poor hoof balance, conformation, workload and management can contribute to degeneration and chronic pain within the caudal foot.
Throughout the episode listeners will gain a detailed understanding of:
The anatomy and function of the navicular bone and surrounding structures
The early warning signs and clinical presentation of navicular syndrome
How biomechanics and hoof conformation influence disease progression
The role of long toes, underrun heels and poor breakover
The pathogenesis of navicular related degeneration
Nutritional and dietary considerations for hoof health and inflammation
Modern veterinary diagnostics including MRI and diagnostic nerve blocks
Veterinary treatment options including medications, regenerative therapies and surgery
Static and dynamic gait assessment of horses with navicular pain
Therapeutic farriery approaches including trimming strategies and corrective shoeing
The use of raised heels, egg bar shoes, Memphis bar shoes, pads and wedge systems
Barefoot rehabilitation and the use of hoof boots in selected cases
Long term management, prognosis and quality of life considerations
This episode is designed for farriers, veterinary professionals, equine students and horse owners wanting a clearer understanding of one of the most important conditions affecting equine soundness and performance.
Thank you for following this podcast series and supporting The Hoofcare Companion throughout its educational journey. We hope these episodes have helped expand your knowledge, improve your practical understanding and encourage continued discussion surrounding evidence based hoof care and farriery.
If you have enjoyed the series, please follow, rate and share the podcast to help support future educational content.
Support the show
To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:
Store | thefarrier
For an eBook version visit here:
The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

In this episode, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked structures in the equine hoof — the frog.
From its role in shock absorption and circulation to its importance as a diagnostic reference point in farriery, this episode breaks down everything you need to know in a clear and practical way.
We also explore common frog pathologies, how they develop, and most importantly how to treat and prevent them effectively in real-world farriery practice.
📚 What You’ll Learn
 The anatomy and structure of the frog 
 The function of the frog in movement, circulation, and stability 
 Why the frog is critical for hoof balance and assessment 
 Best practices for correct frog trimming 
 How hoof conformation influences frog development 
⚠️ Conditions Covered
We break down the key frog pathologies every farrier and equine professional should understand:
Thrush – causes, treatment, and prevention 
Canker – recognising and managing this aggressive condition 
Sheared Heels – how imbalance affects the frog 
Frog Atrophy – why it happens and how to reverse it 
Puncture Wounds – risks, complications, and treatment approaches 
🛠️ Practical Takeaways
 How to approach frog trimming without compromising function 
 Proven treatment strategies used in modern farriery 
 Environmental and management changes that make a real difference 
 When to involve veterinary support 
 How to use the frog as a guide for balance and internal hoof structures 
🎧 Who This Episode Is For
 Farriers (students to experienced professionals) 
 Equine vets and vet nurses 
 Horse owners wanting a deeper understanding of hoof health 
 Anyone interested in improving equine soundness and performance 
💡 Key Message
The frog is not just passive tissue, it is a dynamic, functional structure that reflects the overall health of the hoof. Understanding it properly can transform how you approach trimming, shoeing, and rehabilitation.
Support the show
To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:
Store | thefarrier
For an eBook version visit here:
The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Hoof boots are transforming modern farriery—but are you using them correctly?
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, host Marc Jerram breaks down everything you need to know about hoof boots, from their historical origins to their role in performance, barefoot management, and rehabilitation.
Whether you're a farrier, vet, or horse owner, this episode will help you understand when, why, and how to use hoof boots effectively—and avoid the common mistakes that lead to poor outcomes.
🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
 The evolution of hoof protection from ancient methods to modern boots 
 The key differences between hoof boots and traditional shoeing 
 Why hoof boots are essential for barefoot horses 
 How to assess the hoof correctly before fitting 
 The pros and cons of leading hoof boot brands 
 How hoof boots support rehabilitation and laminitis cases 
 Common fitting mistakes and how to avoid them 
🐎 Brands & Products Mentioned
Scoot Boots
 Flex Boots
 Equine Fusion
 Cavallo
 Renegade Hoof Boots
 Pioneer Sport
 EasyCare / Easyboot range
⚙️ Who This Episode Is For
 Farriers looking to expand their skillset 
 Veterinary professionals involved in hoof care 
 Horse owners transitioning to barefoot 
 Riders wanting better performance and hoof protection 
 Anyone interested in modern, evidence-based hoof care
Support the show
To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:
Store | thefarrier
For an eBook version visit here:
The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books