The Essential Hoof Book

An excellent, comprehensive but not overly technical guide to the hoof studded with fantastic diagrams and photos to enhance the learning. A fantastic gift for any horse owner to keep on hand for reference to explore anatomy, hoof health, hoof problems and solutions.

As a novice horse owner who is learning everything as she goes along, I cannot say enough good things about this book. Hooves, their health, and the things that can go wrong with them are discussed in clear language that does not shy away from technical concepts but remains accessible to the lay person. Copious illustrations perfectly support the text, and also have the benefit of showing what a wide range of appearances normal healthy hooves can have. As a new owner I know I tend to freak out over every lump and bump, so seeing that yes, frogs get weird-looking but can still be perfectly healthy is hugely reassuring. I have a much better handle on preventative care and what to look for in a farrier's work now, and I feel like if something does start to go wrong, I'll know what warning signs to look for. This book belongs in every horse owner's or caretaker's library.(I did not see anti-shoeing bias here--the author does take a pro-barefoot stance, but frequently acknowledges that there are times when shoeing is entirely appropriate, and spends time discussing proper shoe fit)

I found this to be an extremely good reference book. Photos were sharp and clear. Text was both casual and technical. I am new to being so involved in my horse's hoof care and I found this book to be a good reference. It was recommended by a new trimmer I have helping me with my horse. I would encourage all horse people to have a copy of this book. It is not going to teach you how to trim your horse, but you will learn why your horse has developed flairs or if his heels are truly underrun.

I have studied the horse hoof for several years, triggered by watching my horses feet fall apart with traditional trimming and shoeing methods and then finally employing a wonderful (and rare) barefoot practitioner who follows the Pete Ramey and Jamie Jackson method of hoof care. This book calls it physiological trimming and highlights research of this method by many other veterinarians and scientists. Once I started practicing and understanding these methods I have been watching my horses hooves grow better and stronger instead of struggling to keep them sound. I now maintain my horses' hooves myself which has numerous advantages. Not only are my horses healthier and happier, I am saving $$ and am almost never inconvenienced by soundness or shoe issues. The fact that I can maintain their feet frequently (monthly give or take) rather than less frequently if a paid professional did the job creates far healthier and sustainable hooves. I can also spot potential problems and nip them in the bud (usually myself) before they become chronic and hard to reverse. The Essential Hoof Book marvelously explains the hoof and why the physiological methods work so well. It comprehensively explains the anatomy and inner-working of horse feet and the many ailments that can afflict them. It explains the unfortunate and unnecessary problems that many horse owners cause for their horses, lovingly but ignorantly exercising harmful methods thinking they are employing good methods. The illustrations are uncommonly clear, easy to understand and educational. The text is likewise. Kudos to the ladies who created this book! Kudos to all who contributed and all who's research highlighted within. My prayer is that all horse owners and professionals will educate themselves with the information this book so clearly illustrates. I wish I would have had this book years ago. It would have made my learning journey much easier and more effective, saving myself and my horses quite a bit of 'growing pains'. Even though I did already understand and practice much of what this book teaches, I learned so much more in a very short time by reading it. I'm now excited that I can keep my horses' feet even healthier in the years to come. THANK YOU Susan Kauffmann and Christina Cline and all who contributed to the knowledge contained in your book! I hope this book goes viral and becomes a standard reference for horse owners and horse care professionals.

Incredibly clear pictures and diagrams. Super concise and extremely well written. This book is a must for trimers, Veterinarians and horse owners. Love it!

If you can only get one hoof book or one book to help your equine, THIS IS THE BOOK! Horses, mules, and donkeys have been with me for 55 years, I don’t own them, they are family, so my care and responsibilities to them are of utmost importance. I have a happy herd and have been trimming their feet for the last ten years. I originally purchased Pete Rameys Under the Horse DVD’s, it’s priceless information. I have Dr. Rooney’s original copy book The lame horse, again priceless in the information you get from it. I’ve been to Pete’s clinic and he shared with the group that my trim was the best and not to let anyone mess with my mules feet. I have many many books and tapes on feet and function, but I’m always looking to learn and get better. This book is so well done. It should be mandatory to all equine owners. Most people leave it to the farrier or trimmer and never look at the bottom of their equines hoof, that’s where all the life of your equine partner begins. This book could be a text book for all of us who just want to do the best for our equine. The layout of perfect, the illustrations are brilliant, the text is pulling you in and making you want to read more and more. Not boring stuff you gotta read! Great great great. The price is so reasonable it needs to be on every ones Christmas list to give to your equine caring friends and family. The cover is sturdy and easy to lay out and look at and read while doing other things with your hands. The binding is the same as a note book so it should be treated as a note book and turn the pages from the center edge to keep the page going straight. Get this book! Pick up your equines foot! And and let the journey begin! IF you are really dedicated to the health of your equine you will not regret buying this book.

Excellent in depth and concise book on the equine foot, clear pictures and illustrations to show what you're looking for and structures with details and images on diseases and issues, highly recommend. If you're looking for an accompanying complimentary lameness book I definitely recommend ; equine lameness for the layman by George Robert Grisel which has superb description and videos for all manner of lameness and hoof issues that made much more sense after reading this hoof book.Seller superb after receiving a damaged item in transit, would deal with again, thanks!

When reading equine lameness for the layman I didn’t think I could find a book that matched it, but I have. The Essential Hoof Book is really good, with lots of in-depth information that’s easy to read, great illustrations as well as practical advice to spot problems early and to check out if your horses hooves are receiving the optimal care that will ultimately reduce the risk of hoof pain in the long term.

This was a gift for a friend, but now I've seen it I'm wanting to buy my own copy. Sturdy ring binder, comprehensive content, a must for every equine owner who is aware that hoof quality is dependent on food and environment .The reduced price I got it for was an added bonus.

This book is written with remarkable clarity and matched with superb photographs. It explains precisely and comprehensively the exquisite working of the hoof of a horse. It is truly to be recommended.

Comprehensive, thoroughly researched, exceptionally well-illustrated, easy to read and beautifully presented. Balanced coverage of barefoot v. shod. If you have a horse and can read, get this book.