Whats the purpose of the frog on the horse hoof?

Question

I'm curious as to its function or purpose. I know its where thrush can generate at. but why does the hoof have it and what for?

Answer 1

http://www.horseperspective.com/frog.htm...

A link to the frog...says it better than I can.

Answer 2

On a barefoot horse and one properly shod the frog absorbs shock (It should be just touching the ground).   In doing so the frog is compressed.  This forces blood out of the frog and up the leg, returning it to the heart.  Thus the frog also acts to help pump blood through the leg.

If shod where the frog is well off the ground it will still pump blood somewhat since the rear of the hoof is thinner and the back of the horse shoe has no cross bars it will still flex some.  However it will not work quite as well for this purpose.  You will also lose the cushion effect of the frog.

Answer 3

The frog is a shock absorber, but it also pumps blood up the horse's leg each time the frog makes contact with the ground. The blood flows down the horse's leg into the digital cushion, a fibrous part of the inner hoof located just above the frog which contains a network of blood vessels. The horse's weight then compresses the frog on the ground, squeezing the blood out of the digital cushion, and pushing it back up the horse's legs.

Answer 4

I think it keeps the hoof moist, cuz my trainer always says when i have to put some kind of medicine on her foot she says try not to get it on the frog because it will dry out

Answer 5

support

Answer 6

The frog is another heart for the horse. Horses have 5, yes 5 hearts. The horse has no muscles below the knee, thus no circulation. Muscles help circulate blood. That is what a frog is realy for.