Episode 12 - Suspensory Ligaments

In this episode of The Hoofcare Companion, Marc Jerram takes an in-depth look at the suspensory ligaments of the lower limb, exploring teir anatomy, function, common injury patterns, and most importantly the farriery principles that influence both injury risk and rehabilitation.

Suspensory and navicular-related injuries remain one of the most common causes of chronic lameness and loss of performance across sport and leisure horses. This episode is designed to give farriers a clear working understanding of how hoof balance, trimming and shoeing decisions directly affect these structures, and how to work effectively alongside the veterinary surgeon during diagnosis and rehabilitation.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the suspensory apparatus is a critical load-bearing and energy-storing system
• The evolutionary anatomy of the suspensory ligament and its functional implications
• Key anatomical differences between front and hind limb suspensory ligaments
• How the muscular component of the hind limb suspensory influences performance and injury presentation
• The role of the navicular suspensory structures, including the impar and collateral ligaments
• How hoof conformation, toe length and heel height affect suspensory and navicular loading
• Common suspensory injuries:
  • Proximal suspensory desmitis
  • Mid-body and branch lesions
  • Navicular suspensory injuries
• Why front limb injuries often present as lameness, while hind limb injuries present as performance problems
• Diagnostic tools explained:
  • Palpation and gait assessment
  • Ultrasonography
  • Radiography
  • MRI and its role in distal limb soft tissue diagnosis
• Recognising altered gait patterns associated with suspensory pain
• Evidence-based trimming principles for suspensory rehabilitation
• Shoe selection strategies for:
  • Front limb suspensory injuries
  • Hind limb suspensory injuries
  • Navicular suspensory pathology
• The importance of farrier–veterinary collaboration throughout rehabilitation

🧠 Key Takeaways for Farriers

• Small changes in hoof balance and breakover can significantly alter suspensory strain
• Front and hind limbs must be approached very differently in both assessment and shoeing
• Suspensory injuries are rarely just a “rest and hope” problem—mechanics matter
• Correct trimming and shoeing can reduce reinjury risk and support long-term soundness
• Ongoing reassessment is essential as the horse moves through rehabilitation phases

🛠️ Who This Episode Is For

• Registered and apprentice farriers
• Equine podiatrists
• Veterinary surgeons working with lameness cases
• Therapists involved in rehabilitation
• Horse owners wanting a deeper understanding of suspensory injuries

Support the show

To order your hardback copy of The Hoofcare Companion visit:

Store | thefarrier

For an eBook version visit here:

The Hoofcare Companion (eBook Edition) eBook : Jerram, Marc: Amazon.co.uk: Books