When the foot is lifted, the frog and other flexible structures of the foot return to their original position. When the foot is placed on the ground, blood is forced from the foot to the leg by the increase in pressure and by the change in shape of the digital cushion and the frog. The pressure and the change in shape compress the veins in the foot. When the foot is lifted, the compression is relieved and blood flows into the veins again. In this way, the movement of these structures in the hoof acts as a pump.
Exercise increases the blood circulation in the foot and favors good hoof growth.
Normally, the hoof wall grows at the rate of about three-eighths inch per month. The hoof wall is covered with material that prevents evaporation of moisture. When this material is deficient, the hoof wall becomes dry and excessive flaking and cracking may occur. A good hoof paint aids in preventing excessive drying. This publication was originally written jointly by Robert C. McClure, Gerald R. Kirk and Phillip D. Garrett.