Feet/Hooves
The hoof of the horse encases the second and third phalanx of the lower limbs, analogous to the fingertip or toe tip of a human. In essence, a horse travels on its "tiptoes." The hoof wall is a much larger, thicker and stronger version of the human fingernail or toenail, made up of similar materials, primarily keratin, a very strong protein molecule. The horse's hoof contains a high proportion of sulfur-containing amino acids which contribute to its resilience and toughness. Vascular fold-like structures called laminae suspend the distal phalanx from the hoof wall.
Read more about this topic: Equine Anatomy
Famous quotes containing the words feet and/or hooves:
“Henri IV’s feet and armpits enjoyed an international reputation.”
—Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)
“Think, when we talk of horses, that you see them
Printing their proud hooves i’ the receiving earth;
For ‘tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)