What part of the horse’s anatomy is responsible for regulating moisture?

The hoof wall is responsible for regulating moisture in a horse's hoof. This outer structure of the hoof is made up of keratin and serves several important functions. It protects the internal structures of the hoof and provides support while bearing the horse's weight. Crucially, the hoof wall also plays a significant role in managing moisture levels within the hoof.

In particular, the hoof wall helps to prevent excessive moisture loss during dry conditions while also providing a barrier to excess moisture during wet conditions. This ability to regulate moisture is essential for maintaining the health of the hoof and overall limb function, as too much moisture can lead to conditions like thrush or softening of the hoof, while too little can result in cracking and other issues.

Other parts of the hoof, like the frog or the coronary band, are important for different reasons. The frog, for example, acts as a shock absorber and helps with circulation within the hoof but is not primarily responsible for moisture regulation. The white line connects the hoof wall to the sole and plays a structural role but does not directly regulate moisture either. The coronary band is the area where the hoof wall grows from but does not influence moisture management. Thus, the hoof wall is central to ensuring the hoof remains in optimal condition by effectively