Sound (adjective): Free from Injury or Disease

I can’t think of anything more beautiful than a sound horse in motion. I have a feeling that you, dear reader, share that sentiment.

Here I will share some of the characteristics of sound, healthy hooves, but let us not forget that healthy hooves are attached to healthy horses

Healthy hooves have:

• Smooth, strong, & thick hoof walls, free of prominent growth rings, flares, chips & cracks

• A strong & tight lamellar connection

• A robust and healthy frog that is free of infection

• Well developed caudal hoof structures (the digital cushion and ungular cartilages)

• A well calloused, thick sole

• A smooth, evenly sloping hairline from toe to heel