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Horses normally have a soft, spongy triangle of tissue in the middle of each hoof. This is called the frog and is part of why a horse is able to run and jump as well as it does.

Around the frog, however, the rest of the hoof should be fairly firm since it is made of keratin (similar to what your fingernails are made of, although thicker and more durable). A soft spot in the keratin of the hoof is generally caused by a fungal or bacterial infection that is eating away the keratin. Standing on wet or moist ground for long periods of time, getting impacted debris around the frog and having an injury to the hoof wall or sole are common starting points for these types of infections.

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What is the soft pad on the underside of a horse hoof called?

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The frog is the soft part of a horse's hoof that cushions the weight while running or being ridden. DO NOT PICK OUT WITH HOOF PICK!!!!


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Yes, it is important to clean out the frog of a horse's hoof regularly to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria that can accumulate and cause infections. It helps maintain the overall health and function of the hoof.


Do horses grow new frogs?

Horses do have frogs,a frog is located on the bottom of the hoof. If you look closely when you pick the hoof you will see a part of the hoof that looks like a frog's foot. Yup, but it is very delicate and important to the horse, so be very careful when you use the hoof pick, you don't want to stab the soft tissue.


What is the bottom of a dog's paw called the soft pads?

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What part of the horse is the frog?

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A thrush infection would cause the horses hoof to become soft and spongy, if your horse's hoof has a very bad odour, then that is a sign of a thrush infection. Even if it doesn't have a strong odour it could still be a thrush infection, because the smell is just produced by rotting tissue, and dead bacteria. It would be a good idea to take your horse to a veterinarian. The best way to prevent a thrush infection is to clean out your horses hooves regularly! especially if you have your horse shawed!


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