The Hoofcare Companion

The Equine Pastern: Anatomy & Function
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the equine pastern and examine why this relatively small region of the limb is so important to soundness, movement and hoofcare.
We look at the proximal and middle phalanges, the pastern joint and its relationship with the coffin joint. The episode also explores the important soft tissue structures surrounding the pastern, including the joint capsule, collateral ligaments, superficial digital flexor tendon and deep digital flexor tendon.
Understanding how these structures work together helps explain how the pastern supports the horse during weight bearing, absorbs and redistributes forces, and contributes to efficient locomotion.
For farriers, the pastern cannot be considered in isolation. We discuss the relationship between pastern conformation, hoof balance and the hoof-pastern axis, and why understanding these anatomical relationships is essential when assessing hoof mechanics and making informed farriery decisions.
SEND Support
This podcast has been designed to support listeners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The content is structured around clear explanations, defined anatomical terms and repetition of key concepts. Listening alongside the accompanying learning outcomes and questions can help learners consolidate information and revisit sections where required.
Learning Outcomes
After listening, you should be able to:
• Identify the bones and joints of the pastern.
• Describe the main soft tissue structures associated with the pastern joint.
• Explain the role of the pastern in movement, stability and force distribution.
Learning Questions
Which bones form the pastern?
What structures stabilise the pastern joint?
What is the role of the digital flexor tendons?
How does the pastern contribute to shock absorption?
Why is the hoof-pastern axis important to the farrier?
The Hoofcare Companion – anatomy, biomechanics and hoofcare explained for farriers and equine professionals.

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A Articulação do Artelho do Cavalo | O Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos

Neste episódio do Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos, exploramos a anatomia e a função de uma das articulações distais mais importantes do cavalo — o artelho.

Examinamos os ossos que formam o artelho, incluindo o metacarpo/metatarso distal, a falange proximal e os ossos sesamóides proximais, antes de olhar para a cápsula articular e as estruturas que fornecem estabilidade.

O episódio analisa mais de perto os tecidos moles do artelho, incluindo o ligamento suspensor, os tendões flexores digitais superficiais e profundos, os ligamentos colaterais e os ligamentos sesamóides distais. Explicamos como estas estruturas trabalham juntas para controlar o movimento e evitar a extensão excessiva durante o apoio do peso.

Também exploramos o papel do artelho na locomoção, incluindo como o aparelho suspensor e os tendões flexores digitais ajudam a absorver, armazenar e libertar energia mecânica.

Para os ferradores, compreender a anatomia do artelho é particularmente importante quando consideram como h
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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 Equine Fetlock Joint | The Hoofcare Companion
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of one of the horse's most important distal limb joints — the fetlock.
We examine the bones that form the fetlock, including the distal metacarpus/metatarsus, proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones, before looking at the joint capsule and the structures that provide stability.
The episode takes a closer look at the soft tissues of the fetlock, including the suspensory ligament, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, collateral ligaments and distal sesamoidean ligaments. We explain how these structures work together to control movement and prevent excessive extension during weight bearing.
We also explore the fetlock's role in locomotion, including how the suspensory apparatus and digital flexor tendons help absorb, store and release mechanical energy.
For farriers, understanding fetlock anatomy is particularly important when considering how hoof conformation, balance and breakover can influence the forces transmitted through the distal limb.
SEND-friendly learning
The Hoofcare Companion is designed to support a range of learners, including listeners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The podcast provides information through spoken explanation, allowing learners to listen at their own pace and revisit sections when needed. Clear explanations, repetition of key terminology and a structured approach to each anatomical topic can help support learners who may find traditional text-heavy learning materials challenging.
The podcast can be used alongside written notes, diagrams and practical teaching to provide an additional way of accessing and reinforcing learning. Learners are encouraged to pause, replay and revisit episodes as part of their individual revision.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The anatomy of the equine fetlock
• The major soft-tissue structures
• How the suspensory apparatus supports the joint
• How the fetlock functions during locomotion
• Why fetlock anatomy matters to farriery
Who is this episode for?
This episode is aimed at farriery students, apprentice farriers, qualified farriers, veterinary professionals and anyone interested in equine anatomy, biomechanics and hoofcare.
Listen, learn and develop your understanding of the structures that allow the horse to move efficiently.
#TheHoofcareCompanion #Farriery #EquineAnatomy #SENDLearning #EquineEducation
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 Hoofcare Companion – The Equine Carpus
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the equine carpus (knee). You'll learn about the bones, joints and supporting soft tissues that make up the carpus, how it contributes to shock absorption and locomotion, and why it is one of the most commonly injured regions of the equine forelimb.
Designed for farriery apprentices, qualified farriers, veterinary surgeons, equine veterinary nurses, equine science students and horse owners, this episode explains complex anatomy in a clear and structured format.
To support inclusive learning, each episode includes learning outcomes, a readable companion article, and five retrieval questions to reinforce understanding, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including those with SEND.
If you enjoy this episode, please follow The Hoofcare Companion and share it with colleagues, fellow students and other equine professionals.
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

Der Hoofcare Companion – Das Pferdegelenk

In dieser Folge von Der Hoofcare Companion erkunden wir die Anatomie und Funktion des Pferdegelenks (Knie). Du erfährst alles über die Knochen, Gelenke und unterstützenden Weichteile des Gelenks, wie es zur Stoßdämpfung und Bewegung beiträgt und warum es eine der am häufigsten verletzten Regionen des Pferdefrontbeins ist.

Gedacht für Hufschmiedelehrlinge, ausgebildete Hufschmiede, Tierärzte, Pferdepfleger, Studenten der Pferdewissenschaften und Pferdebesitzer, erklärt diese Folge komplexe Anatomie auf eine klare und strukturierte Weise.

Um inklusives Lernen zu unterstützen, enthält jede Folge Lernziele, einen lesbaren Begleitartikel und fünf Wiederholungsfragen, um das Verständnis zu vertiefen, was sie für eine breite Palette von Lernenden geeignet macht, einschließlich solcher mit besonderem Förderbedarf.

Wenn dir diese Folge gefällt, folge bitte Der Hoofcare Companion und teile sie mit Kollegen, Mitstudenten und anderen Pferdefachleuten.
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