What is the Digital Cushion and what is it's importance to the hoof?

In the world of hoof care, one of the most intriguing and vital structures is the digital cushion. Often overshadowed by discussions of the hoof wall or frog, the digital cushion plays a pivotal role in maintaining hoof health and soundness, particularly in barefoot horses. Let's explore what the digital cushion is and why it's so important for equine comfort and performance.

Understanding the Digital Cushion
The digital cushion is a unique, elastic structure located within the back of the horse's hoof. It serves as a shock absorber, cushioning the impact forces generated with each stride. Composed of specialized fibrous and fatty tissue, the digital cushion is designed to compress and expand, effectively dissipating the energy generated during movement.

Primary Function: Absorbing Impact
​At the heart of its function lies the remarkable ability to absorb impact. When a horse moves, the force exerted on the hoof is considerable, especially during high-impact activities. The digital cushion acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact energy on the hoof structures and lower limb joints. It serves as nature's built-in shock absorber, ensuring the horse can move comfortably and efficiently.

The Role of the Frog
Often referred to as the "heart" of the hoof, the frog is closely intertwined with the digital cushion. While the frog itself provides traction and assists with blood circulation, it's essentially an extension and protector of the digital cushion. The frog helps distribute weight evenly across the hoof, promoting healthy function of the digital cushion and ensuring optimal shock absorption. Keeping the frog healthy is hugely important so that it can protect the digital cushion and deflect impact energy to it.

From a barefoot perspective, maintaining the integrity of the digital cushion is extremely important. Unlike shod horses, which may rely on artificial support and peripheral loading from metal shoes, barefoot horses depend on the natural resilience of their hoof structures, including the digital cushion. By allowing the hoof to function as nature intended, barefoot horses can maximize the benefits of their digital cushion, promoting overall hoof health and soundness throughout the body.

The digital cushion is built through stimulation. It needs to be used to strengthen it, it it is not being used it will atrophy and become weak. This means that a heel first landing and healthy frog are of the utmost importance and should be made a priority by your farrier or trimmer. 

As advocates for healthy hooves, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the vital role this remarkable structure plays in promoting soundness and comfort for our horses. 

On the left an atrophied and weak digital cushion. Notice how little padding there is under the navicular bone. On the right, an healthy digital cushion supports the navicular bone and rear of the coffin bone.