The Hoofcare Companion

White Line Disease & Seedy Toe in the Horse

What is the difference between white line disease and seedy toe? Are they actually the same condition and is white line disease really just a fungal infection?

In this episode, we look beyond the visible cavity to explore what is happening inside the hoof and why understanding the underlying mechanics is essential for successful treatment.

We cover:

• White line disease vs seedy toe
• Causes and contributing factors
• Clinical signs and diagnosis
• When radiographs are important
• Debridement and treatment
• Corrective trimming and therapeutic farriery
• The role of topical treatments
• Hoof protection and shoeing options
• Prognosis and rehabilitation
• Veterinary–farrier collaboration

The key message: don't just treat the hole, understand why it developed!

An essential listen for farriers, vets, veterinary students, equine professionals and anyone wanting to understand hoof-wall pathology at a deeper level.

🎧 Listen now and develop your understanding of one of the hoof conditions that can remain hidden until significant structural damage has occurred.

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

In this special preview, Marc Jerram introduces The Farrier’s Mindset, a 6 hour audiobook created primarily to help apprentice farriers prepare for written and professional discussion examinations.

Rather than simply providing more information to memorise, the audiobook focuses on how to think with the knowledge you already have.

Farriery examinations require more than recalling facts. You need to understand what a question is asking, identify the relevant knowledge, apply it to the situation and explain the reasoning behind your answer. The Farrier’s Mindset takes you through this process step by step.

The audiobook explores areas including examination technique, health and safety, risk assessment, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, hoof balance, movement, pathology, diagnostic information, farriery decision-making, professional communication and collaboration with other equine professionals.

Throughout, the emphasis is on connecting information rather than learning isolated facts. You are encouraged to ask:

What am I observing?

Why might I be observing it?

What does the information tell me?

How does it apply to this horse?

What are the options?

Why would I choose one approach?

How can I explain my reasoning clearly?

Knowledge checks and examination-style questions encourage you to stop, think and construct your own answers, helping turn passive listening into active revision.

Although created with apprentice farriers in mind, the audiobook is also relevant to registered farriers and other equine professionals who want to develop their understanding of the reasoning behind professional farriery decisions.

It is designed to complement, rather than replace, a good farriery textbook. Visual subjects such as anatomy, radiographs, hoof morphology and shoe design are best supported by appropriate visual resources, while this audiobook concentrates on developing the thought process behind applying that knowledge.

Whether you are revising for an examination, travelling between yards or simply looking to develop your professional reasoning, The Farrier’s Mindset aims to help you move from remembering knowledge to understanding, applying and explaining it.

Listen to this preview to discover how the audiobook approaches farriery education and why developing the right mindset can be just as important as learning the facts.

Support the show

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

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the equine pastern and examine why this relatively small region of the limb is so important to soundness, movement and hoofcare.

We look at the proximal and middle phalanges, the pastern joint and its relationship with the coffin joint. The episode also explores the important soft tissue structures surrounding the pastern, including the joint capsule, collateral ligaments, superficial digital flexor tendon and deep digital flexor tendon.

Understanding how these structures work together helps explain how the pastern supports the horse during weight bearing, absorbs and redistributes forces, and contributes to efficient locomotion.

For farriers, the pastern cannot be considered in isolation. We discuss the relationship between pastern conformation, hoof balance and the hoof-pastern axis, and why understanding these anatomical relationships is essential when assessing hoof mechanics and making informed farriery decisions.

SEND Support

This podcast has been designed to support listeners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The content is structured around clear explanations, defined anatomical terms and repetition of key concepts. Listening alongside the accompanying learning outcomes and questions can help learners consolidate information and revisit sections where required.

Learning Outcomes

After listening, you should be able to:

• Identify the bones and joints of the pastern.
• Describe the main soft tissue structures associated with the pastern joint.
• Explain the role of the pastern in movement, stability and force distribution.

Learning Questions

1. Which bones form the pastern?
2. What structures stabilise the pastern joint?
3. What is the role of the digital flexor tendons?
4. How does the pastern contribute to shock absorption?
5. Why is the hoof-pastern axis important to the farrier?

The Hoofcare Companion – anatomy, biomechanics and hoofcare explained for farriers and equine professionals.

Support the show

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

A Articulação do Artelho do Cavalo | O Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos

Neste episódio do Companheiro de Cuidados com os Cascos, exploramos a anatomia e a função de uma das articulações distais mais importantes do cavalo — o artelho.

Examinamos os ossos que formam o artelho, incluindo o metacarpo/metatarso distal, a falange proximal e os ossos sesamóides proximais, antes de olhar para a cápsula articular e as estruturas que fornecem estabilidade.

O episódio analisa mais de perto os tecidos moles do artelho, incluindo o ligamento suspensor, os tendões flexores digitais superficiais e profundos, os ligamentos colaterais e os ligamentos sesamóides distais. Explicamos como estas estruturas trabalham juntas para controlar o movimento e evitar a extensão excessiva durante o apoio do peso.

Também exploramos o papel do artelho na locomoção, incluindo como o aparelho suspensor e os tendões flexores digitais ajudam a absorver, armazenar e libertar energia mecânica.

Para os ferradores, compreender a anatomia do artelho é particularmente importante quando consideram como h

Support the show

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

The Equine Fetlock Joint | The Hoofcare Companion

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of one of the horse's most important distal limb joints — the fetlock.

We examine the bones that form the fetlock, including the distal metacarpus/metatarsus, proximal phalanx and proximal sesamoid bones, before looking at the joint capsule and the structures that provide stability.

The episode takes a closer look at the soft tissues of the fetlock, including the suspensory ligament, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, collateral ligaments and distal sesamoidean ligaments. We explain how these structures work together to control movement and prevent excessive extension during weight bearing.

We also explore the fetlock's role in locomotion, including how the suspensory apparatus and digital flexor tendons help absorb, store and release mechanical energy.

For farriers, understanding fetlock anatomy is particularly important when considering how hoof conformation, balance and breakover can influence the forces transmitted through the distal limb.

SEND-friendly learning

The Hoofcare Companion is designed to support a range of learners, including listeners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The podcast provides information through spoken explanation, allowing learners to listen at their own pace and revisit sections when needed. Clear explanations, repetition of key terminology and a structured approach to each anatomical topic can help support learners who may find traditional text-heavy learning materials challenging.

The podcast can be used alongside written notes, diagrams and practical teaching to provide an additional way of accessing and reinforcing learning. Learners are encouraged to pause, replay and revisit episodes as part of their individual revision.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• The anatomy of the equine fetlock
• The major soft-tissue structures
• How the suspensory apparatus supports the joint
• How the fetlock functions during locomotion
• Why fetlock anatomy matters to farriery

Who is this episode for?

This episode is aimed at farriery students, apprentice farriers, qualified farriers, veterinary professionals and anyone interested in equine anatomy, biomechanics and hoofcare.

Listen, learn and develop your understanding of the structures that allow the horse to move efficiently.

#TheHoofcareCompanion #Farriery #EquineAnatomy #SENDLearning #EquineEducation

Support the show

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

Der Hoofcare Companion – Das Pferdegelenk

In dieser Folge von Der Hoofcare Companion erkunden wir die Anatomie und Funktion des Pferdegelenks (Knie). Du erfährst alles über die Knochen, Gelenke und unterstützenden Weichteile des Gelenks, wie es zur Stoßdämpfung und Bewegung beiträgt und warum es eine der am häufigsten verletzten Regionen des Pferdefrontbeins ist.

Gedacht für Hufschmiedelehrlinge, ausgebildete Hufschmiede, Tierärzte, Pferdepfleger, Studenten der Pferdewissenschaften und Pferdebesitzer, erklärt diese Folge komplexe Anatomie auf eine klare und strukturierte Weise.

Um inklusives Lernen zu unterstützen, enthält jede Folge Lernziele, einen lesbaren Begleitartikel und fünf Wiederholungsfragen, um das Verständnis zu vertiefen, was sie für eine breite Palette von Lernenden geeignet macht, einschließlich solcher mit besonderem Förderbedarf.

Wenn dir diese Folge gefällt, folge bitte Der Hoofcare Companion und teile sie mit Kollegen, Mitstudenten und anderen Pferdefachleuten.

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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

The Hoofcare Companion – The Equine Carpus

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the equine carpus (knee). You'll learn about the bones, joints and supporting soft tissues that make up the carpus, how it contributes to shock absorption and locomotion, and why it is one of the most commonly injured regions of the equine forelimb.

Designed for farriery apprentices, qualified farriers, veterinary surgeons, equine veterinary nurses, equine science students and horse owners, this episode explains complex anatomy in a clear and structured format.

To support inclusive learning, each episode includes learning outcomes, a readable companion article, and five retrieval questions to reinforce understanding, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including those with SEND.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow The Hoofcare Companion and share it with colleagues, fellow students and other equine professionals.

Support the show

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

En este episodio de El Compañero del Cuidado de Casco, exploramos la anatomía y función de los tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras de los caballos. Entender estas estructuras importantes es esencial para herradores, profesionales veterinarios y estudiantes de ciencia equina, ya que juegan un papel clave en la locomoción normal, la estabilidad de las extremidades y el diagnóstico de cojera. Hablaremos de los principales tendones extensores de las patas delanteras y traseras, incluyendo su origen, recorrido, inserción y función, antes de examinar su importancia clínica y cómo las lesiones pueden afectar el movimiento y el rendimiento. También descubrirás por qué las lesiones de los tendones extensores suelen tener un pronóstico más favorable que las lesiones de tendones flexores y por qué este conocimiento es valioso al evaluar caballos en la práctica diaria. Este episodio ha sido diseñado como un recurso educativo para aprendices de herrería, herradores cualificados, veterinarios, enfermeros veterinarios equinos, fisioterapeutas equinos y estudiantes de ciencia equina.

Support the show

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

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, we explore the anatomy and function of the extensor tendons of the equine forelimb and hind limb. Understanding these important structures is essential for farriers, veterinary professionals and equine science students, as they play a key role in normal locomotion, limb stability and the diagnosis of lameness.

We'll discuss the principal extensor tendons of both the forelimb and hind limb, including their origin, route, insertion and function, before examining their clinical significance and how injuries can affect movement and performance. You'll also discover why extensor tendon injuries often carry a more favourable prognosis than flexor tendon injuries and why this knowledge is valuable when assessing horses in everyday practice.

This episode has been designed as an educational resource for farriery apprentices, qualified farriers, veterinary surgeons, equine veterinary nurses, equine physiotherapists, equine science students and horse owners wishing to develop a deeper understanding of equine anatomy.

To support inclusive learning and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), this episode includes clearly defined learning outcomes, a readable companion article and five retrieval questions to reinforce learning and improve long-term knowledge retention.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

• Describe the anatomy of the extensor tendons of the equine forelimb and hind limb, including their origin, route and insertion.
• Explain the primary functions of the extensor tendons during locomotion and their role in maintaining normal limb movement.
• Recognise the clinical significance of extensor tendon injuries and understand how knowledge of their anatomy assists farriers in assessing lameness and planning appropriate farriery interventions.

Retrieval Questions

1. Name the two principal extensor tendons found in the equine forelimb and the two principal extensor tendons found in the hind limb.
2. Where does the common digital extensor tendon insert, and why is this attachment important for normal locomotion?
3. What are the primary functions of the extensor tendons during the swing phase of the stride?
4. Which nerves supply the extensor muscles of the forelimb and hind limb, and what gait abnormality may occur if these nerves are damaged?
5. Why do extensor tendon injuries generally have a better prognosis than injuries to the superficial or deep digital flexor tendons?

Thank you for listening to The Hoofcare Companion. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review and sharing it with colleagues, fellow students and other equine professionals. Your support helps make evidence-based farriery education accessible to a wider audience.

Support the show

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

The Final Episode in the Series

In the final episode of this educational farriery series, Marc Jerram takes a deep dive into one of the most discussed and challenging causes of chronic forelimb lameness in the horse, navicular syndrome.

This episode explores the modern understanding of navicular syndrome and explains why it is no longer viewed as a disease of the navicular bone alone, but rather as a complex condition involving the entire navicular apparatus including the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues within the foot.

Marc breaks down the anatomy and biomechanics of the navicular region in a practical and easy to understand format before discussing how poor hoof balance, conformation, workload and management can contribute to degeneration and chronic pain within the caudal foot.

Throughout the episode listeners will gain a detailed understanding of:

The anatomy and function of the navicular bone and surrounding structures

The early warning signs and clinical presentation of navicular syndrome

How biomechanics and hoof conformation influence disease progression

The role of long toes, underrun heels and poor breakover

The pathogenesis of navicular related degeneration

Nutritional and dietary considerations for hoof health and inflammation

Modern veterinary diagnostics including MRI and diagnostic nerve blocks

Veterinary treatment options including medications, regenerative therapies and surgery

Static and dynamic gait assessment of horses with navicular pain

Therapeutic farriery approaches including trimming strategies and corrective shoeing

The use of raised heels, egg bar shoes, Memphis bar shoes, pads and wedge systems

Barefoot rehabilitation and the use of hoof boots in selected cases

Long term management, prognosis and quality of life considerations

This episode is designed for farriers, veterinary professionals, equine students and horse owners wanting a clearer understanding of one of the most important conditions affecting equine soundness and performance.

Thank you for following this podcast series and supporting The Hoofcare Companion throughout its educational journey. We hope these episodes have helped expand your knowledge, improve your practical understanding and encourage continued discussion surrounding evidence based hoof care and farriery.

If you have enjoyed the series, please follow, rate and share the podcast to help support future educational content.

Support the show

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