Frog Facts Every Horse Owner Should Know

Dennis Cappel
Sep 22
1 min read

Clear Mental Horsemanship with Dennis Cappel

The frog may look simple, but it is a powerhouse of functions. It serves as a shock absorber, a circulatory pump, a structural support system with its own self-cleaning mechanism. All this works together to keep your horse sound, balanced, and healthy.

· Shock Absorption: Every stride a horse takes creates concussion. The frog cushions the impact, protecting joints and bones.

· Circulation Pump: When the frog makes contact with the ground, it works with the digital cushion (located just above it) to pump blood through the foot. This natural mechanism keeps the hoof healthy and promotes proper circulation.

· Structural Support: Sitting just beneath the coffin bone and adjacent to the navicular bone, the frog plays a key role in maintaining proper bone alignment and soundness.

· Self-Cleaning: The frog’s constant contact with the ground provides natural abrasion, which helps keep it clean, healthy, and functional.

Though it is often overlooked, the frog is a key player in your horse’s lifelong soundness. Strong, healthy frogs equal better support, better circulation, and better movement.

Next time you pick up your horse’s hoof, take a good look at that triangle; it is doing a lot more for your horse than you might think.

For the Horse,

Dennis Cappel

Mindful Riding,

Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman

www.cappeltrainingandshoeng.com