ONE of the most important, but often neglected, structures of the horse’s hoof is the frog. It should be wide and substantial, and made up of thick, leathery material. An unhealthy frog is vulnerable to infection, which untreated can lead to significant loss of structure in the back of the hoof, causing severe lameness.

The frog works symbiotically with the coronet band, the bars and the sole, to provide resistance to distortion of the hoof capsule during the stride. Pressure placed upon the frog directly influences the health of the digital cushion above it.

Absorbing shock

The frog also plays a part in protecting the sensitive structures beneath, providing traction, assisting circulation and absorbing shock. It also contains many nerves which enable the horse to feel what it is standing on and be aware of where its feet are in relation to the rest of its body.

In the centre of the frog, towards the back of the foot is the central sulcus. A healthy sulcus is wide and shallow, but if the frog is weak and narrow, it can become a deep crease, which is a haven for bacteria and fungus.