Functions Part II: The Hoof is a Roller Blade and a Nike

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014 by Holly Jonsson
In my last blog, Functions Part I: The Hoof's Memory Foam, I discussed the digital cushion. In this blog, I'll build on that and look at the functions of traction and braking.

Most of the horse’s hoof is made of a horny substance that is quite slick. Except for the frog, which can feel leathery, spongy, velvety or glossy. One of the functions of the frog is as a brake pad and traction aide. Green is for GO and Red is for WHOA.

Have you seen an image of a horse sliding to a stop? How about a “stubborn donkey”? Both postures are the same: the front legs brace and the back legs brace and all four feet are on their “heels” or…on their frogs...

- See more at: http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/if-the-shoe-fits/functions-part-ii-the-hoof-is-a-roller-blade-and-a-nike#sthash.z9zBpnyL.dpuf