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The Hoofcare Companion
The Hoofcare Companion
Author: Marc Jerram BSc (Hons) Grad Dip ELR CJF AWCF Master Farrier
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© 2026 The Hoofcare Companion
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The Hoofcare Companion is your perfect podcast to learn all about the hoof of the horse. Bitesized episodes of in depth knowledge backed up with peer reviewed science. Take your expertise to the next level with The Hoofcare Companion
25 Episodes
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In this episode, we take an in depth look at one of the most critical yet often underestimated structures of the equine hoof: the coronary band. This episode is essential listening for farriers, veterinarians, and serious hoof care professionals who want a deeper understanding of how coronary band health directly influences hoof wall quality, growth, and long term soundness. We begin by exploring the normal anatomy and function of the coronary band, explaining its role as the primary germinal...
Sidebone is one of the most commonly encountered structural changes within the equine foot, particularly in heavier horses and those exposed to repetitive concussive forces. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we take an in depth look at sidebone from a farriery perspective, exploring not only what it is, but why it develops, how it alters hoof biomechanics and how informed trimming and shoeing decisions can significantly influence long term comfort and soundness. This episode moves be...
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, Marc Jerram takes an in-depth look at the suspensory ligaments of the lower limb, exploring teir anatomy, function, common injury patterns, and most importantly the farriery principles that influence both injury risk and rehabilitation. Suspensory and navicular-related injuries remain one of the most common causes of chronic lameness and loss of performance across sport and leisure horses. This episode is designed to give farriers a clear working und...
Medio-lateral balance is one of the most influential and most misunderstood principles in farriery. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore what medio-lateral balance really means, why visual symmetry can be misleading, and how poor balance contributes to long term lameness and pathology. Marc explores how farriers should assess medio-lateral balance both statically and dynamically, explains how conformation dictates loading patterns, and discusses why trimming and shoeing decis...
Hoof wall cracks are one of the most commonly encountered yet frequently misunderstood conditions in equine hoof care. In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, Marc Jerram takes an in-depth look at hoof wall cracks, breaking down the different types, why they occur, how they affect soundness, and how farriers and veterinarians can work together to manage them effectively. From superficial cosmetic defects to painful, performance-limiting cracks, this episode explains how hoof anatomy, biome...
In this Christmas Special of The Hoofcare Companion, host Marc Jerram reflects on the demands of elite racehorse farriery while thanking listeners for their incredible support throughout 2025. This episode takes a deep dive into the specialised art and science of shoeing the Thoroughbred racehorse — an athlete operating at the absolute limits of biomechanical performance. From breed-specific hoof challenges to trimming protocols, shoe selection, and the key differences between flat and Nation...
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we take a look into one of the most fundamental yet often misunderstood concepts in farriery and hoof care: the hoof pastern axis. Using anatomy, biomechanics, and real world farriery principles, this episode explains what a normal hoof pastern axis looks like, why it matters for soundness and performance, and how broken back and broken forward alignments affect the horse over time. We explore how trimming and shoeing choices influence internal struc...
In this episode, we explore Angular Limb Deformities (ALDs) in foals—one of the most important developmental challenges faced by breeders, farriers, and equine veterinarians. These early-life limb deviations can influence a horse’s long-term soundness, athletic potential, and overall welfare. This conversation unpacks what ALDs are, how they develop, how to diagnose them, and the full spectrum of modern treatment options. • What Are Angular Limb Deformities? Definitions of valgus and varus de...
In this episode, we explore how the major dietary macrominerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulphur shape the health of the equine hoof from the inside out. We break down the biological roles of each mineral, their influence on keratin formation, circulation, immune function, and inflammation control, and how imbalances can lead to structural hoof defects or systemic health issues. What You’ll Learn: How calcium supports keratinisation and immune cell sign...
In questo episodio di The Hoofcare Companion, il conduttore Marc Jerram approfondisce uno degli infortuni più importanti ma spesso fraintesi del piede equino: le fratture dell’osso pedale. Con il contributo di esperti in veterinaria e mascalcia, Marc spiega come si verificano queste fratture, la loro classificazione e i più recenti metodi di diagnosi, trattamento e riabilitazione. Gli ascoltatori scopriranno l’importanza della radiografia, della ferratura terapeutica e della gestione d...
En este episodio de The Hoofcare Companion, el presentador Marc Jerram analiza una de las lesiones del casco más importantes pero a menudo mal comprendidas: las fracturas del hueso pedial. Con la participación de expertos en veterinaria y herrería, Marc explica cómo se producen estas fracturas, cómo se clasifican y cuáles son los métodos más recientes para su diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabilitación. Los oyentes descubrirán la importancia de la radiografía, el herraje terapéutico y la...
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, host Marc Jerram explores one of the most significant yet often misunderstood hoof injuries — pedal bone fractures. Joined by expert insights from veterinary and farriery perspectives, Marc breaks down how these fractures occur, how they’re classified, and the latest approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the vital role of radiography, therapeutic shoeing, and owner management durin...
En este episodio abordamos la artritis de la articulación del casco, una causa frecuente y compleja de cojera en los caballos. Analizamos cómo esta enfermedad degenerativa afecta el rendimiento y cómo herramientas diagnósticas como los bloqueos nerviosos, las radiografías y la imagen avanzada ayudan a planificar tratamientos precisos de herraje y veterinaria. También exploramos las estrategias de recorte y herraje para aliviar el estrés articular, las terapias de apoyo como las inyeccio...
In questo episodio analizziamo l’artrite dell’articolazione del piede—una delle principali cause di zoppia nei cavalli. Scopri come questa condizione degenerativa influisce sulle prestazioni e come strumenti diagnostici come i blocchi nervosi, le radiografie e le immagini avanzate possano guidare interventi precisi di mascalcia e terapia veterinaria. Parliamo delle tecniche di pareggio e ferratura per ridurre lo stress articolare, dei trattamenti di supporto come le infiltrazioni e le t...
In this episode, we explore coffin joint arthritis, a common yet complex cause of lameness in horses. Discover how this degenerative joint condition affects performance, and how diagnostic tools like nerve blocks, radiographs, and advanced imaging guide precise farriery and veterinary treatment. We discuss trimming and shoeing strategies to relieve joint stress, supportive therapies such as joint injections and biologics, and practical owner management tips including exercise, envi...
En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado del Casco, exploramos el papel crítico de la radiografía en la evaluación del equilibrio del casco equino. Tradicionalmente, herradores y veterinarios confiaban en la evaluación visual y táctil para guiar el recorte y el calzado, pero la imagenología diagnóstica moderna ha transformado el cuidado del casco.Únete al anfitrión Marc Jerram mientras exploramos cómo las radiografías brindan una visión más profunda de la alineación del casco, el eje del ...
In questo episodio di The Hoofcare Companion, esploriamo il ruolo cruciale della radiografia nella valutazione dell’equilibrio del piede equino. Tradizionalmente, maniscalchi e veterinari si affidavano alla valutazione visiva e tattile per orientare la paratura e la ferratura, ma l’imaging diagnostico moderno ha trasformato la cura del piede. Unisciti all’host Marc Jerram mentre esploriamo come le radiografie forniscano approfondimenti sull’allineamento del piede, sull’asse del garrett...
In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we dive into the critical role of radiography in assessing equine foot balance. Traditionally, farriers and veterinarians relied on visual and tactile assessment to guide trimming and shoeing, but modern diagnostic imaging has transformed hoof care. Join host Marc Jerram as we explore how radiographs provide deeper insights into hoof alignment, pastern axis, palmar angles, sole depth, and mediolateral balance. We discuss how these measurements influe...
En este episodio de The Hoofcare Companion, el presentador Marc Jerram explora una de las herramientas más valiosas en la práctica veterinaria equina: los bloqueos nerviosos. Desde los fundamentos de cómo funcionan hasta su papel en localizar la fuente de la cojera, este episodio te guía paso a paso a través de la ciencia, las técnicas y las aplicaciones prácticas de la anestesia perineural. Hablamos de los diferentes tipos de bloqueos nerviosos —desde el digital palmar hasta el “four-point” ...
In questo episodio di The Hoofcare Companion, il conduttore Marc Jerram esplora uno degli strumenti più preziosi nella diagnostica veterinaria equina: i blocchi nervosi. Dalle basi del loro funzionamento al loro ruolo nell’individuare la fonte della zoppia, l’episodio ti guida passo dopo passo attraverso la scienza, le tecniche e le applicazioni pratiche dell’anestesia perineurale. Parliamo dei diversi tipi di blocchi nervosi — dal digitale palmare al “four-point” alto — e mettiamo in evidenz...























