A silvery white metal with the symbol Al. It is the third most abundant element in the earths crust and is remarkable for its low density (lightness) and for its ability to resist corrosion. It is used to manufacture light horseshoes such as racing plates, various bar shoes including egg, straight and heart bars where its strength and lightness makes it a favourite for therapuetic use. Its main downside is that it has low resistance to wear compared with steel.

A small organic molecule containing a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), an amine group (-NH2) and a side chain specific to each amino acid. They are vital biological components; a group of amino acids form the building blocks for all proteins, which consist of linear chains of amino acids. Certain amino acids can be synthesised by the body (non-essential amino acids) others have to be taken in as part of the diet (essential amino acids).

A chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. Ammonia is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It is generated through the decay of nitrogen containing biological waste such as urine and is therefore present in significant quantities in unhygienic stabling in which soiled bedding is not regularly removed. Due to its caustic nature, it can cause serious irritation of the respiratory system if it is inhaled, as well as facilitating the development of diseases of the hoof such as thrush or white line disease if the horse continually stands on wet bedding.

An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of polysaccharides such as starch into sugars.

A total loss of sensation of pain, temperature or touch that is the result of a general anaesthetic (which also involves a loss of consciousness) or a local anaesthetic (where consciousness remains and sensation is only lost in a defined body region).

A field of biology or (veterinary) medicine, which focusses on the study of the structural setup of bodies (animal and plant). It is concerned with the physical properties (e.g. shape, size, location) of organs, tissues, and cells, and it provides the basis for understanding their function.

The triangle of horn formed by the inflection of the hoof wall of the heels around to that of the bars. The apex of the angle of the wall represents the furthermost point of the bearing edge with respect to the toe. The buttress of the heel is the same structure including the third dimension; the vertical extent of the angle of the wall.

A pathological process resulting in total loss of mobility in a specific joint. The process can involve the skeletal components and/or the adjacent soft-tissue (joint capsule). Typically found in the phalangeal joints of the horses lower limb and in the tarsal joint.

Term usually atributed to ligmants which encircle another structure, for example the proximal and distalpalmar/plantar annular ligaments which encircle the flexor tendon(s) in the back of the pastern and the back of the foot thereby holding them in place

Tendons and tendon sheaths lying within an annularligament are constrained from all sides (between bone and anular ligament). If the tendons or tendon sheaths become swollen or the ligament constricts (e.g. due to direct injury) the build up of pressure can cause inflammation, pain and serious lameness. The surgical sectioning (division) of the annularligament can relieve the pressure and lead to healing of the previously encased structures .