A horse hoof is a structure surrounding the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit (digit III of the basic pentadactyl limb of vertebrates, evolved into a single weight-bearing digit in equids) of each of the four limbs of Equus species, which is covered by complex soft tissue and keratinised (cornified) structures. Since a single digit must bear the full proportion of the animal's weight that is borne by that limb, the hoof is of vital importance to the horse. The phrase "no hoof, no horse" underlines how much the health and the strength of the hoof is crucial for horse soundness.
Read more about Horse Hoof: Hooves in The Natural State, Anatomy, The Hoof Mechanism, Time-related Changes of The Hoof
Famous quotes containing the words horse and/or hoof:
“Half the failures of this world arise from pulling in one’s horse as he is leaping.”
—Julius Hare (1795–1855)
“The water for which we may have to look
In summertime with a witching wand,
In every wheelrut’s now a brook,
In every print of a hoof a pond.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)