The Hoofcare Companion

Episode 17- Interference injuries involving the hoof


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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.

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To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:

Store | thefarrier

For an eBook version visit here:

The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books


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The Hoofcare CompanionBy Marc Jerram BSc (Hons) Grad Dip ELR CJF AWCF Master Farrier