12/05/2025
Did you know your horse’s hoof is more than just a base to stand on? It’s a sensory organ.
Like a built-in balance board telling the body how to move, how to stand, how to land.
Inside the hoof are thousands of nerve receptors like mechanoreceptors that constantly read: pressure, vibration, impact, and pain.
Every step sends information straight up the nervous system to the spinal cord and brain. Telling the horse how to place the limb, how much force to absorb, and how to protect the body.
When that hoof isn’t balanced, the body doesn’t just freak out overnight. It quietly adapts by shifting weight, altering its stride and stance, tightening muscles, loading other joints. A discomfort they are required to stand on 24/7. -think about how many aspects of our lives change when our feet hurt.
Over time that subtle distortion climbs the caudal chain affecting tendons, ligaments, hocks, stifles, glutes, the lumbar spine, and the deep fascial networks that hold it all together. (Too much to list)
By the time most people notice, it’s often rapid decline in performance or three-legged lameness. A vet call and then a rehab plan.
Hoof issues are the most common thing I see and I don't ever want to rag on anyone’s work, start drama or opposite- fluff any egos. I’m here to be honest, clear, and direct about my findings in the body. Because every horse deserves that level of advocacy.
Chronic pain doesn’t show up overnight. It builds when small problems are ignored or minimized by those you trusted with your horses care.
Breaking that cycle requires teamwork, open communication, and people willing to say, “Let’s figure this out together.”
When we all collaborate farrier, vet, trainer, bodyworker, owner we see fewer breakdowns, better performance, and horses who move with comfort and confidence.
And owners deserve to know this too: if someone on your care team refuses to collaborate or hear out other professionals, that’s a red flag🚩
If you want to talk hoof-body connection or you just want a fresh look at your horse’s posture, I’m here.
The goal is to give your horse the comfort, support, and longevity they deserve.
First image photo credit to anatomy of the horse 6th edition
