Re: questions from my farrier science calss.

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Comments:
: : 1.) What is the function & location of the inferior or proximal check ligament? : This ligament is also known as the accesory ligament of the deep flexor tendon. It "checks" the amount of "flex-ion" of the deep flexor tendon. The length of this ligament is what determines the natural angle of the hoof. If you cut the inferior check ligament, the deep flexor tendon will stretch and allow P3 (coffin bone) to flex to a much lower angle. This ligament is also an important part of the stay aparatus (allows the horse to sleep while standing). : The superior check ligament - acesory check ligament of the superficial flexor tendon - performs a similar function for the long and short pastern bones. It determines the natural angle of P1&P2. When the dorsal aspect of P1, P2, and P3 are in alignment, the superior and inferior check ligaments are in equilibrium . . . this is the mechanics of how anterior/posterior balance works in the horses limb. : : 2.) What is the difference in a city head, regular, and combo nail? : Regular head is bigger than city head. Combo is in-between. : : : 3.) What is the "e" nail used for? : Longer taper on the nail head. It is a favorite for hand made shoes because it locks into the nail hole much tighter due to the long taper. : : 4.) How many inches of bar stock do you start with to make an egg-bar shoe for a hoof that is 16 inches in circumference? : That depends on the width of the bar stock and how much you plan to stretch or bump the stock when you turn the shoe. It also depends on how much the bar will extend beyond the heel butresses. For 3/4" wide stock you could do it with anything from 16" to 18" depending on how you plan to forge and fit the shoe. : : : 5.)What is the function of... : : white line? : This a combination of the laminar horn of P3 and the horn that is secreted by the terminal papillae of P3. The white line provides the interconnection between the hoof wall and the sole. : : digital cushion? : Makes a nice soft pillow for P2 at maximum flexion . . . Think about what is happening inside the hoof when the fetlock is under a miximum load. P1&P2 are flexed beyond horizontal. The fetlock is almost touching the ground. P2 is pushed down between the heel bulbs - crushing the digital cushion . . . : : bars on the hoof? : Hoof wall adjacent to medial and lateral frog commisures. : : 6.) When fitting a shoe, how much of the shoe should be in front of the frog and how much behind? : The anterior/posterior position of the shoe should be centered around the frog bridge . . . center of the coffin joint . . . Duckets Dot. : : 7.) describe the ideal fit of a shoe? : Assuming a properly trimmed hoof - the shoe exactly fits the perimeter of the hoof wall from the widest part of the foot around the toe. From the widest part of the foot to the heels the shoe should gradually be wider than the hoof untill it reaches the heel butresses. At the heel butresses the shoe should be wider and longer than the heels - the extra width and length is determined by the amount of expansion needed by the heels during movement and the amount of growth of the hoof that is expected during the shoeing interval. The AFA requires a dime's width of expansion and extension as a MINIMUM. The Guild requires a nickel's width. : : : 8.) what does "jammed heel" mean? : Heel is bent inwards and crushed up under the hoof parimeter. : : 9.) What is a sheared heel? : Unequal heel length so bad that the soft tissues of the heel bulbs tears. : : 10.)What causes flares on the hoof wall & how do ou trim the hoof that has flares? : Neglect and poor husbandry are the primary causes of flares. Flares are removed with a rasp. NEW GROWTH FOLLOWS OLD. Once the flares are removed, if the hoof is kept trimmed and the flares kept under control, eventually a straight, full thickness hoof wall will grow down to the ground.