R

RADIOGRAPH

An "X-Ray". An image produced by photographing artificially generated radiation which passes through visually opaque matter. Only dense objects, such as bone, are normally visible on radiographs, although soft tissue images can be produced thr ough special techniques.

RALPH

One of the five basic hoof shapes listed in the eagle-eye approach suggested by Scott Simpson, CJF. The Ralph pattern is generally asymmetric, with the widest part of the foot located in the rear third and one buttress farther back than the other.

REGISTERED JOURNEYMAN FARRIER (RJF)

Credential issued by the Guild of Professional Farriers which identifies fully qualified professional farriers to the equestrian community. It recognizes the level of practice that serious working farriers have established in the field. Testing consists of 1: forge work (a shoe board); 2: a comprehensive written exam covering applied farriery, anatomy, biomechanics pathology, professional ethics and responsibility; 3) live shoeing.

REGISTERED MASTER FARRIER (RMF)

Credential issued by the Guild of Professional Farriers which identifies farriers qualified to instruct other farriers in formal apprenticeship and clinic situations. It recognizes not only the understanding one has gained from study, practice and experience, but also the ability to effectively express that understanding to others.

RELIEVED

Describes a horseshoe that is beveled or depressed on the inner half of the web on the hoof-facing surface, except for the heels. This is done to prevent the shoe from applying pressure on the sole of the hoof.

RESECTION

An operation involving the removal of part of an organ or structure.

RESET

To remove a horseshoe, trim the hoof, then reattach the same horseshoe. a.k.a: Shift.

RESPIRATION RATE (RESTING)

Average 12 breaths per minute (8 to 16 range).

RETAINED SOLE

The sole of a hoof which does not exfoliate normally. This can be a beneficial trait, as the retained sole provides extra protection for the hoof's internal structures. a.k.a: False sole.

RETROGRADE VENOUS THERAPY

A veterinary procedure which involves placing a tourniquet above the fetlock, then injecting a substance into a vein, forcing it to flow backwards through the circulatory bed into the arteries. Infusing plasma from a healthy horse in this way has been suggested as a possible treatment for acute laminitis.

REVERSE SHOE

See: Backwards Shoe.

RINGBONE

Exostosis in or around the coffin or pastern joint, or on the pastern bones. High ringbone is in or near the pastern joint and is usually palpable. Low ringbone is in or near the coffin joint, and often is not directly visible. Articular ringbone actually involves a joint. Periarticular ringbone is located around, but not within a joint. Exostosis on the pastern bones, between the joints, is called false ringbone or non-articular ringbone.

ROAD FOUNDER

General breakdown of the hoof as a result of external stresses and/or age. Road founder often resembles founder proper, with failure of the laminae and loss of horn vitality, but usually has no acute onset via laminitis.

ROAD PUFF

See: Wind Puff.

ROCKERED TOE

A horseshoe that has been bent upward toward the hoof at the toe. This eases and directs breakover. Hooves must be specially prepared to receive rocker toe shoes.

ROENTGEN RAYS

See: X-rays.

ROLLED TOE

A horseshoe that has been rounded or beveled on the outer edge of the ground surface at the toe. This eases breakover. The hoof side of the shoe is left flat, so the hoof needs no special preparation.

ROPE WALKING

A gait defect which results in the horse's tracks being left in a single line, as if the animal had been walking on a tightrope. Horses that ropewalk are likely to interfere. a.k.a: Cat walking.

ROTATION

See: True P III rotation; capsular rotation; founder.

ROTATIONAL DEFORMITIES

Conformational growth problems where the bones are properly in line vertically but some are not facing the right direction - rotated in or out from the vertical line.

ROUNDING HAMMER

Tool used by the farrier at the anvil to shape metal or shoes, usually weighing 2 to 4 pounds. One face is flat and one face is round.

R.S.S.

Registered Shoeing Smith. Previous title for English farriers at the level now called D.W.C.F.

RUN-UNDER HEELS

See: Underrun Heels.

Registered Journeyman Farrier (RJF): Credential issued by the Guild of Professional Farriers which identifies fully qualified professional farriers to the equestrian community. It recognizes the level of practice that serious working farriers have established in the field. Testing consists of 1. forge work(a shoe board); 2. a comprehensive written exam covering applied farriery, anatomy, biomechanics pathology. professional ethics and responsibility; 3. live shoeing.

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