The Hoofcare Companion

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the collateral ligaments of the equine lower limb, examining their anatomy, location, function and importance in maintaining joint stability during locomotion.Collateral ligaments play a vital role in controlling excessive movement within joints, resisting abnormal lateral and medial displacement, and maintaining the structural integrity of the equine limb. Injury to these structures can result in lameness, reduced athletic performance and, in more severe cases, joint instability.We examine the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the fetlock (metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints), proximal interphalangeal joint (pastern) and distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint). We also consider the collateral ligament complexes of the carpus and tarsus.Throughout the episode, we discuss the associated pathologies, including desmitis, desmopathy and enthesopathy, and explain how these injuries may develop through trauma, repetitive loading and abnormal biomechanical forces.We explore the veterinary diagnostic process, including clinical examination, diagnostic analgesia, radiography, ultrasonography and MRI, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying the injured structure.Particular attention is given to the farrier's role in managing collateral ligament injuries. We consider how hoof balance, mediolateral support, breakover, shoe selection and the distribution of ground-reaction forces may influence loading through affected joints. We also discuss the importance of collaboration between veterinary surgeons and farriers when developing appropriate treatment and rehabilitation strategies.In this episode, we cover:• Anatomy and precise locations of the equine collateral ligaments.• The function of medial and lateral collateral ligaments.• Fetlock, pastern and coffin joint collateral ligament injuries.• Carpal and tarsal collateral ligament complexes.• Common causes and clinical signs of ligament pathology.• Veterinary diagnostic techniques and advanced imaging.• Treatment options and ligament healing.• Farriery considerations and therapeutic shoeing principles.• Rehabilitation, prognosis and return to work.Understanding collateral ligament anatomy is essential for farriers, veterinary surgeons, veterinary students and equine professionals involved in identifying, managing and rehabilitating horses with musculoskeletal injuries.The Hoofcare Companion – developing knowledge, improving understanding and supporting better equine welfare.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Hoof abscesses are one of the most common causes of sudden lameness in horses, but how much do you really understand about their causes, diagnosis and treatment?In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the pathology of hoof abscesses, examining how bacteria enter the foot, the predisposing factors involved and why an apparently minor lesion can cause severe pain.We discuss the clinical signs to recognise, including increased digital pulses, hoof sensitivity and sudden-onset lameness, alongside the importance of distinguishing an abscess from solar bruising, laminitis, fractures and other serious conditions.Discover the different drainage pathways, from the sole and white line to the coronary band and heel bulbs, and learn why the exit point may not reveal the original source of infection.We also examine veterinary diagnostic techniques, including hoof testers and radiography, treatment options, appropriate drainage, poulticing, pain relief and when antibiotics may be necessary.Finally, we consider the farrier’s role in managing hoof abscesses, preserving healthy horn, selecting protective shoeing options and recognising when veterinary investigation is essential.Learning outcomes• Understand the causes and development of hoof abscesses.• Recognise clinical signs and potential exit points.• Understand veterinary diagnostic and treatment options.• Explore farriery management, complications and prevention.• Appreciate the importance of veterinary–farrier collaboration.Whether you are a farrier, veterinary professional, equine student or horse owner, this episode provides practical knowledge to support better decision-making and equine welfare.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

White Line Disease & Seedy Toe in the HorseWhat is the difference between white line disease and seedy toe? Are they actually the same condition and is white line disease really just a fungal infection?In this episode, we look beyond the visible cavity to explore what is happening inside the hoof and why understanding the underlying mechanics is essential for successful treatment.We cover:• White line disease vs seedy toe• Causes and contributing factors• Clinical signs and diagnosis• When radiographs are important• Debridement and treatment• Corrective trimming and therapeutic farriery• The role of topical treatments• Hoof protection and shoeing options• Prognosis and rehabilitation• Veterinary–farrier collaborationThe key message: don't just treat the hole, understand why it developed!An essential listen for farriers, vets, veterinary students, equine professionals and anyone wanting to understand hoof-wall pathology at a deeper level.🎧 Listen now and develop your understanding of one of the hoof conditions that can remain hidden until significant structural damage has occurred.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

In this special preview, Marc Jerram introduces The Farrier’s Mindset, a 6 hour audiobook created primarily to help apprentice farriers prepare for written and professional discussion examinations.Rather than simply providing more information to memorise, the audiobook focuses on how to think with the knowledge you already have.Farriery examinations require more than recalling facts. You need to understand what a question is asking, identify the relevant knowledge, apply it to the situation and explain the reasoning behind your answer. The Farrier’s Mindset takes you through this process step by step.The audiobook explores areas including examination technique, health and safety, risk assessment, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, hoof balance, movement, pathology, diagnostic information, farriery decision-making, professional communication and collaboration with other equine professionals.Throughout, the emphasis is on connecting information rather than learning isolated facts. You are encouraged to ask:What am I observing?Why might I be observing it?What does the information tell me?How does it apply to this horse?What are the options?Why would I choose one approach?How can I explain my reasoning clearly?Knowledge checks and examination-style questions encourage you to stop, think and construct your own answers, helping turn passive listening into active revision.Although created with apprentice farriers in mind, the audiobook is also relevant to registered farriers and other equine professionals who want to develop their understanding of the reasoning behind professional farriery decisions.It is designed to complement, rather than replace, a good farriery textbook. Visual subjects such as anatomy, radiographs, hoof morphology and shoe design are best supported by appropriate visual resources, while this audiobook concentrates on developing the thought process behind applying that knowledge.Whether you are revising for an examination, travelling between yards or simply looking to develop your professional reasoning, The Farrier’s Mindset aims to help you move from remembering knowledge to understanding, applying and explaining it.Listen to this preview to discover how the audiobook approaches farriery education and why developing the right mindset can be just as important as learning the facts.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Equine Pastern: Anatomy & FunctionIn 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 SupportThis 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 OutcomesAfter 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 QuestionsWhich 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.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

A Articulação do Artelho do Cavalo | O Companheiro de Cuidados com os CascosNeste 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 hSupport the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Equine Fetlock Joint | The Hoofcare CompanionIn 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 learningThe 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 farrieryWho 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 #EquineEducationSupport the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Hoofcare Companion – The Equine CarpusIn 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 showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Der Hoofcare Companion – Das PferdegelenkIn 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 showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books

En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado de Casco, exploramos la anatomía y función de los tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras de los caballos. Entender estas estructuras importantes es esencial para herradores, profesionales veterinarios y estudiantes de ciencia equina, ya que juegan un papel clave en la locomoción normal, la estabilidad de las extremidades y el diagnóstico de cojera. Hablaremos de los principales tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras, incluyendo su origen, recorrido, inserción y función, antes de examinar su importancia clínica y cómo las lesiones pueden afectar el movimiento y el rendimiento. También descubrirás por qué las lesiones de los tendones extensores suelen tener un pronóstico más favorable que las lesiones de tendones flexores y por qué este conocimiento es valioso al evaluar caballos en la práctica diaria. Este episodio ha sido diseñado como un recurso educativo para aprendices de herrería, herradores cualificados, veterinarios, enfermeros veterinarios equinos, fisioterapeutas equinos y estudiantes de ciencia equina.Support the showTo order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:Store | thefarrierFor an eBook version visit here:The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books