The Hoofcare Companion

Episode 20 - Navicular Syndrome

The Final Episode in the Series In the final episode of this educational farriery series, Marc Jerram takes a deep dive into one of the most discussed and challenging causes of chronic forelimb lameness in the horse, navicular syndrome. This episode explores the modern understanding of navicular syndrome and explains why it is no longer viewed as a disease of the navicular bone alone, but rather as a complex condition involving the entire navicular apparatus including the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues within the foot. Marc breaks down the anatomy and biomechanics of the navicular region in a practical and easy to understand format before discussing how poor hoof balance, conformation, workload and management can contribute to degeneration and chronic pain within the caudal foot. Throughout the episode listeners will gain a detailed understanding of: The anatomy and function of the navicular bone and surrounding structures The early warning signs and clinical presentation of navicular syndrome How biomechanics and hoof conformation influence disease progression The role of long toes, underrun heels and poor breakover The pathogenesis of navicular related degeneration Nutritional and dietary considerations for hoof health and inflammation Modern veterinary diagnostics including MRI and diagnostic nerve blocks Veterinary treatment options including medications, regenerative therapies and surgery Static and dynamic gait assessment of horses with navicular pain Therapeutic farriery approaches including trimming strategies and corrective shoeing The use of raised heels, egg bar shoes, Memphis bar shoes, pads and wedge systems Barefoot rehabilitation and the use of hoof boots in selected cases Long term management, prognosis and quality of life considerations This episode is designed for farriers, veterinary professionals, equine students and horse owners wanting a clearer understanding of one of the most important conditions affecting equine soundness and performance. Thank you for following this podcast series and supporting The Hoofcare Companion throughout its educational journey. We hope these episodes have helped expand your knowledge, improve your practical understanding and encourage continued discussion surrounding evidence based hoof care and farriery. If you have enjoyed the series, please follow, rate and share the podcast to help support future educational content. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2527131/support] To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit: Store | thefarrier [https://www.thefarrier.co.uk/store] For an eBook version visit here: The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoofcare-Companion-eBook-Marc-Jerram-ebook/dp/B0D2JSFXTC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35UOWQGX8UG9T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWnemcLAfKcNC5T_N1kojmg-M5TEgQENPv4SZzsC_S8.odsiP8etHTT7oIeCZ68HhAWdoOK7J4IwGmdmfTHKB_g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hoofcare+companion&qid=1754752723&sprefix=the+hoofcare+companion%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3]

Episode 19 - The Frog and its associated pathologies

In this episode, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked structures in the equine hoof — the frog. From its role in shock absorption and circulation to its importance as a diagnostic reference point in farriery, this episode breaks down everything you need to know in a clear and practical way. We also explore common frog pathologies, how they develop, and most importantly how to treat and prevent them effectively in real-world farriery practice. 📚 What You’ll Learn *  The anatomy and structure of the frog  *  The function of the frog in movement, circulation, and stability  *  Why the frog is critical for hoof balance and assessment  *  Best practices for correct frog trimming  *  How hoof conformation influences frog development  ⚠️ Conditions Covered We break down the key frog pathologies every farrier and equine professional should understand: * Thrush – causes, treatment, and prevention  * Canker – recognising and managing this aggressive condition  * Sheared Heels – how imbalance affects the frog  * Frog Atrophy – why it happens and how to reverse it  * Puncture Wounds – risks, complications, and treatment approaches  🛠️ Practical Takeaways *  How to approach frog trimming without compromising function  *  Proven treatment strategies used in modern farriery  *  Environmental and management changes that make a real difference  *  When to involve veterinary support  *  How to use the frog as a guide for balance and internal hoof structures  🎧 Who This Episode Is For *  Farriers (students to experienced professionals)  *  Equine vets and vet nurses  *  Horse owners wanting a deeper understanding of hoof health  *  Anyone interested in improving equine soundness and performance  💡 Key Message The frog is not just passive tissue, it is a dynamic, functional structure that reflects the overall health of the hoof. Understanding it properly can transform how you approach trimming, shoeing, and rehabilitation. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2527131/support] To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit: Store | thefarrier [https://www.thefarrier.co.uk/store] For an eBook version visit here: The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoofcare-Companion-eBook-Marc-Jerram-ebook/dp/B0D2JSFXTC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35UOWQGX8UG9T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWnemcLAfKcNC5T_N1kojmg-M5TEgQENPv4SZzsC_S8.odsiP8etHTT7oIeCZ68HhAWdoOK7J4IwGmdmfTHKB_g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hoofcare+companion&qid=1754752723&sprefix=the+hoofcare+companion%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3]

Episode 18 - The Use of Hoof Boots in Modern Farriery Practice

Hoof boots are transforming modern farriery—but are you using them correctly? In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, host Marc Jerram breaks down everything you need to know about hoof boots, from their historical origins to their role in performance, barefoot management, and rehabilitation. Whether you're a farrier, vet, or horse owner, this episode will help you understand when, why, and how to use hoof boots effectively—and avoid the common mistakes that lead to poor outcomes. 🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: *  The evolution of hoof protection from ancient methods to modern boots  *  The key differences between hoof boots and traditional shoeing  *  Why hoof boots are essential for barefoot horses  *  How to assess the hoof correctly before fitting  *  The pros and cons of leading hoof boot brands  *  How hoof boots support rehabilitation and laminitis cases  *  Common fitting mistakes and how to avoid them  🐎 Brands & Products Mentioned Scoot Boots  Flex Boots  Equine Fusion  Cavallo  Renegade Hoof Boots  Pioneer Sport  EasyCare / Easyboot range ⚙️ Who This Episode Is For *  Farriers looking to expand their skillset  *  Veterinary professionals involved in hoof care  *  Horse owners transitioning to barefoot  *  Riders wanting better performance and hoof protection  *  Anyone interested in modern, evidence-based hoof care Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2527131/support] To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit: Store | thefarrier [https://www.thefarrier.co.uk/store] For an eBook version visit here: The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoofcare-Companion-eBook-Marc-Jerram-ebook/dp/B0D2JSFXTC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35UOWQGX8UG9T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWnemcLAfKcNC5T_N1kojmg-M5TEgQENPv4SZzsC_S8.odsiP8etHTT7oIeCZ68HhAWdoOK7J4IwGmdmfTHKB_g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hoofcare+companion&qid=1754752723&sprefix=the+hoofcare+companion%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3]

Episode 17- Interference injuries involving the hoof

Interference injuries are more than just knocks and cuts, they’re often a sign of deeper biomechanical inefficiencies within the horse. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, Marc Jerram takes a detailed look at the causes, types, and farriery strategies used to manage interference. From forging and overreach to brushing and toe drag, we break down how and why these injuries occur, and most importantly, how farriers can assess and address them through effective trimming and shoeing techniques. Whether you're a practicing farrier, apprentice, or equine professional, this episode provides practical insights into improving movement, reducing injury, and enhancing overall performance. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode *  What interference injuries really indicate about a horse’s movement  *  The key differences between overreach, forging, and brushing  *  How conformation influences limb flight and injury risk  *  The importance of static vs dynamic assessment  *  How breakover timing affects interference  *  The role of radiography in diagnosing imbalance  *  Practical trimming strategies to improve hoof balance  *  Shoeing techniques including:  *  Safed off shoes  *  Rolled and square toe designs  *  Trailer shoes and asymmetric shoeing  *  Use of studs, pins, and traction devices  🐎 Key Takeaways Interference is rarely random, it’s usually the result of imbalance, poor timing, or conformational predisposition. By focusing on accurate assessment and targeted farriery, you can significantly reduce injury risk and improve locomotor efficiency. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2527131/support] To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit: Store | thefarrier [https://www.thefarrier.co.uk/store] For an eBook version visit here: The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoofcare-Companion-eBook-Marc-Jerram-ebook/dp/B0D2JSFXTC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35UOWQGX8UG9T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWnemcLAfKcNC5T_N1kojmg-M5TEgQENPv4SZzsC_S8.odsiP8etHTT7oIeCZ68HhAWdoOK7J4IwGmdmfTHKB_g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hoofcare+companion&qid=1754752723&sprefix=the+hoofcare+companion%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3]

Episode 16 - Hoofcare for the Dressage Horse

In this episode, we explore the precision of shoeing the dressage horse, from Intro level through to Grand Prix. Learn how different movements influence hoof loading, how to assess the horse both statically and dynamically, and how shoeing strategies adapt to surfaces, conformation, and performance demands. We cover trimming principles, shoe selection, barefoot management, and the importance of working alongside vets and physiotherapists to support long-term soundness. A practical, evidence-based guide for farriers working with the modern dressage athlete. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2527131/support] To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit: Store | thefarrier [https://www.thefarrier.co.uk/store] For an eBook version visit here: The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoofcare-Companion-eBook-Marc-Jerram-ebook/dp/B0D2JSFXTC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35UOWQGX8UG9T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWnemcLAfKcNC5T_N1kojmg-M5TEgQENPv4SZzsC_S8.odsiP8etHTT7oIeCZ68HhAWdoOK7J4IwGmdmfTHKB_g&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hoofcare+companion&qid=1754752723&sprefix=the+hoofcare+companion%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3]