Sophie May Watts is a science writer based in the UK.There are four types of equine vocalizations: the whinny, nicker, snort and squeal. However, there is a movement towards barefoot horse-keeping, which can work well for horses with structurally sound hooves, and with appropriate horse management. In many cases, shoeing is a tradition perpetuated by modern horse management despite increased stabling and reduced workload on unvaried terrain. Shoeing of horses has maintained a stronghold in modern horse-keeping even where horses are predominantly kept for sport or leisure. They give horses extra traction on muddy surfaces and to protect their hooves from softening in wet ground. Metal horseshoes were designed in Europe and became commonplace by the 13th and 14th centuries. Horseshoes date back to around 400BC and were originally made of rawhide or plants. Horseshoe revolutionĪs horses were domesticated, people developed horseshoes to prevent excessive damage to the hooves of their working animals. Regular movement, and contraction and expansion of the hoof, increases circulation to and from the area. Horses can also suffer from bruised soles if traveling far or over stony ground. However, horse’s hooves can lose their effectiveness when the animals are kept on soft, wet ground, and work on a single terrain. There is also significant natural shock absorption that helps protect against concussion-related tendon and joint damage in barefoot or wild horses. Regular movement, and contraction and expansion of the hoof, increases circulation and lymphatic drainage to and from the area. With such continual stimulation the frog becomes thicker and other hoof structures become stronger – much like our feet after a summer of walking barefoot. Wild and free-ranging horses walk and graze continuously over vast distances and a diverse range of terrains.
HORSE WALKING SOUND SERIES
On the inside of the hoof there are also a series of bones that contribute to its shape and stability. This digital cushion is made up of cartilaginous material, providing further shock absorption. The frog provides shock absorption, aids traction, and protects the digital cushion on the inside of the hoof. The most noticeable structure is the frog, which is tough and triangular-shaped pointing towards the horse’s toe. On the underside of the hoof are the sole, frog, and the bars. Beneath the outer wall is the inner wall, which is softer and expands with movement to provide shock absorption. As it grows, the hoof wall is naturally worn down by abrasive surfaces. On the outside is the hoof wall – a hard outer covering made of keratin (like fingernails and rhino horn) that is continually growing and protects the structures within the foot. mariait/ Hoof anatomyĪ horse’s hoof has an outside, underside, and inside. Having a single hoof at the end of each long leg enables equids to run fast on open plains and evade predators.
Historically, as the body mass of equids increased, their centre toes got bigger and more resistant to stress, while side toes shrunk.
Equus contains seven living species of horses, donkeys, and zebras (collectively termed equids). However, only one living group of animals – Equus – ended up with a single toe per foot. Following different selection pressures in varied landscapes, the foot took on many forms. Over millions of years, all four-limbed, land-based vertebrates (including humans) evolved from a common ancestor with five toes. We take a closer look at the structure of the hoof and why humans decided horses needed shoes. Only one group of animals have evolved this single toe, and those sturdy hooves have enabled horses to out-run predators and made them attractive prospects for domestication. Along with its long legs and flowing mane, most of us would list the sound of clip-clopping hooves as one of a horse’s most distinctive features.
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