Anatomy of a horse hoof
Removed from the foot by maceration a well-shaped hoof is cylindro-conical in form, and appears to the ordinary observer to consist of a box or case cast in one single piece of horn. Prolonged maceration, however, will show that the apparently single piece is divisible into three. These are known as:1.) The Wall of the Hoof,
2.) The Sole of the Hoof, and
3.) The Frog of the Hoof.
In addition to these, we have also an appendage or circular continuation of the frog named (4) The Periople, or Coronary Frog Band. These various divisions we will study separately.