The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet
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Discover the secrets of equine hoof health and become your horse’s best advocate—no veterinary degree required.
Whether you’re a new horse owner or a seasoned equestrian, The Essential Hoof Book is your definitive guide to understanding, assessing, and improving hoof health. With over 400 vivid, full-color photographs and expert guidance distilled from top hoof specialists around the world, this practical resource bridges the gap between scientific insight and hands-on application.
Learn the anatomy and biomechanics of the hoof in plain language, discover how to distinguish healthy hooves from problem feet, and gain the confidence to make informed decisions about hoof care. From common issues like laminitis and thrush to hoof balance and trimming strategies, this book empowers you to take a proactive role in your horse’s soundness and wellbeing.
• Clear explanations of hoof anatomy, function, and terminology
• Step-by-step activities to evaluate hoof condition and structure
• In-depth chapters on disease prevention, barefoot care, and shoeing choices
• Insights on balance, conformation, and environmental influences
• Tips for collaborating with farriers and veterinarians more effectively
Essential for every horse owner, trainer, and student of equine care, this modern guide brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood parts of the horse—and transforms how you approach hoof management for a lifetime of soundness
From the Publisher
Understand Hoof Health Like Never Before
Gain confidence and clarity with over 400 full-color images, expert-backed insights, and practical tips for healthier, sounder horses—whether barefoot or shod.
A Complete Modern Guide to the Horse’s Foot
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to horse care, The Essential Hoof Book arms you with the knowledge to recognize healthy hooves, detect early warning signs, and make better decisions for your horse’s wellbeing. With easy-to-understand language, in-depth explanations, and hundreds of clear visuals, this is the go-to resource for every horse owner who wants to truly understand hoof anatomy, balance, and soundness. Learn to identify and manage common hoof problems like laminitis, white line disease, and thrush, while also exploring essential topics like proper trimming, the barefoot vs. shod debate, and how nutrition and movement affect hoof function.
Over 400 color photos and illustrations make concepts easy to graspIncludes interactive exercises for assessing hoof balance, sole depth, and moreClarifies complex hoof anatomy with plain languageDesigned for riders, owners, farriers, and veterinarians alike
Decode the Structure of the Equine Foot
Dive deep into hoof anatomy with clear explanations and diagrams that make technical terms accessible. Understand the vital roles of the frog, digital cushion, and laminae to maintain long-term health and function.
Spot the Warning Signs Early
Learn to distinguish healthy from unhealthy hooves with side-by-side comparisons. This section guides you through changes in shape, cracks, bruises, imbalances, and more—helping prevent small issues from becoming serious.
Solutions for Common Hoof Challenges
From abscesses and contracted heels to navigating barefoot transitions, this book covers it all. Explore practical treatment options and prevention strategies trusted by top equine professionals.
Real Tools for Real Horse Owners
Empower yourself with hoof-mapping techniques, guided assessments, and decision-making frameworks. Gain confidence in your ability to communicate with farriers and vets—and become your horse’s best advocate.
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Customer Reviews
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Publisher : Trafalgar Square Books
Publication date : October 10, 2017
Edition : 1st
Language : English
Print length : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1570767327
ISBN-13 : 978-1570767326
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 10.9 x 1.4 x 9.6 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #51,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2 in Equine Medicine (Books) #23 in Horse Riding (Books) #24 in Equestrian Sports (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 834 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Customers say
Customers find this book highly researched and comprehensive, with clear explanations of hoof anatomy and terminology. The book includes numerous photos and diagrams, making it easy to understand, and customers consider it an essential resource for horse owners. They appreciate the writing style, with one customer noting the text is presented in short paragraphs, and consider it worth the price.
9 reviews for The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet
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Original price was: $45.00.$36.12Current price is: $36.12.
Geneva Anderson –
Excellent resource! One of my fav hoof books now
This Essential Hoof book is a must-have for horse owners, trimmers/farriers, vets…..anyone wanting to learn more about the hoof.This book talks about hoof anatomy, nutrition, pathologies, etc. It has wonderful contributions from the likes of Pete Ramey and Gene Ovenick.I’ve had this book about a year now. I’ve gone through this book several times, and have lots of places highlighted. It’s one of my first go-to books when I have a question on something I’m seeing in a hoof I’m trimming, as there is clear and concise explanations of things, and lots of valuable pictures.Also, the language of this book is geared more towards us lay people, when it comes to talking medical terms and conditions. I’ve been ready other books written by other vets, and it can be quite a challenge understanding what those vets are saying because they are speaking (writing) in vet medical terminology. Someone of us don’t have that kind of background, so it makes deciphering what they’re saying difficult. However, that’s not the case with this book. They wrote this book for people like me….and they’ve even incorporate a little bit of humor too (which I greatly appreciated).Just a great resource!I love, too, how it’s a spiral bound hardcover book. You can take it out in the field with you, if you so desire.I can’t recommend this book enough. Well put together, very informative, and easy to read.
agbif –
BEST HOOF BOOK EVER!!! IF YOU HAVE A HORSE THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!!
I have studied the horse hoof for several years, triggered by watching my horses feet fall apart with traditional trimming and shoeing methods and then finally employing a wonderful (and rare) barefoot practitioner who follows the Pete Ramey and Jamie Jackson method of hoof care. This book calls it physiological trimming and highlights research of this method by many other veterinarians and scientists. Once I started practicing and understanding these methods I have been watching my horses hooves grow better and stronger instead of struggling to keep them sound. I now maintain my horses’ hooves myself which has numerous advantages. Not only are my horses healthier and happier, I am saving $$ and am almost never inconvenienced by soundness or shoe issues. The fact that I can maintain their feet frequently (monthly give or take) rather than less frequently if a paid professional did the job creates far healthier and sustainable hooves. I can also spot potential problems and nip them in the bud (usually myself) before they become chronic and hard to reverse. The Essential Hoof Book marvelously explains the hoof and why the physiological methods work so well. It comprehensively explains the anatomy and inner-working of horse feet and the many ailments that can afflict them. It explains the unfortunate and unnecessary problems that many horse owners cause for their horses, lovingly but ignorantly exercising harmful methods thinking they are employing good methods. The illustrations are uncommonly clear, easy to understand and educational. The text is likewise. Kudos to the ladies who created this book! Kudos to all who contributed and all who’s research highlighted within. My prayer is that all horse owners and professionals will educate themselves with the information this book so clearly illustrates. I wish I would have had this book years ago. It would have made my learning journey much easier and more effective, saving myself and my horses quite a bit of ‘growing pains’. Even though I did already understand and practice much of what this book teaches, I learned so much more in a very short time by reading it. I’m now excited that I can keep my horses’ feet even healthier in the years to come. THANK YOU Susan Kauffmann and Christina Cline and all who contributed to the knowledge contained in your book! I hope this book goes viral and becomes a standard reference for horse owners and horse care professionals.
Nanhenker –
THIS is the book you’re probably looking for!
If you want to recognize problems and how to fix them; how to understand hoof anatomy and hoof imbalances; how to see each horse as an individual; how to understand how terrain and climate alter hoof wear and shape, this book, with self-explanatory photos, will help guide you. Even if you’re a professional, there will likely be some food for thought here. Easy to read and to the point, the authors draw from the wisdom of old as well as years of practical experience. This is not about current fads; it is about common sense and what the horse needs to stay healthy and trouble-free from a biomechanical standpoint.
saddle bum –
IF YOU CAN ONLY BUY ONE HOOF BOOK THIS IS IT!
If you can only get one hoof book or one book to help your equine, THIS IS THE BOOK! Horses, mules, and donkeys have been with me for 55 years, I donât own them, they are family, so my care and responsibilities to them are of utmost importance. I have a happy herd and have been trimming their feet for the last ten years. I originally purchased Pete Rameys Under the Horse DVDâs, itâs priceless information. I have Dr. Rooneyâs original copy book The lame horse, again priceless in the information you get from it. Iâve been to Peteâs clinic and he shared with the group that my trim was the best and not to let anyone mess with my mules feet. I have many many books and tapes on feet and function, but Iâm always looking to learn and get better. This book is so well done. It should be mandatory to all equine owners. Most people leave it to the farrier or trimmer and never look at the bottom of their equines hoof, thatâs where all the life of your equine partner begins. This book could be a text book for all of us who just want to do the best for our equine. The layout of perfect, the illustrations are brilliant, the text is pulling you in and making you want to read more and more. Not boring stuff you gotta read! Great great great. The price is so reasonable it needs to be on every ones Christmas list to give to your equine caring friends and family. The cover is sturdy and easy to lay out and look at and read while doing other things with your hands. The binding is the same as a note book so it should be treated as a note book and turn the pages from the center edge to keep the page going straight. Get this book! Pick up your equines foot! And and let the journey begin! IF you are really dedicated to the health of your equine you will not regret buying this book.
Sasha –
The Book is great with a lot of helpful pictures and written in way that anybody can understand it. Excellent and helpful.
Sophie V. –
Le meilleur livre à ma connaissance pour comprendre le pied du cheval et son fonctionnement.Ce n’est pas un livre relié ou broché, mais une sorte de classeur à spirales.
Rubem Oliveira de Paula –
O livro traz de forma muito prática, com diversas ilustrações e fotos, as principais caracterÃsticas, doenças e tratamentos relacionados aos cascos.à um livro essencial para os criadores e veterinários de equinos.
Jade Barsalou –
If you want to learn all the basics about healthy hoof and pathologies this is your book! Absolutely a must-have!
indigo –
Very detailed, lovely diagrams and clear photos, excellent book to learn more about hooves from.