Molecules based on carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, which include cellulose and hemicellulose. Although structural carbohydrates cannot be digested by the horse itself, they can be digested with the aid of microbes living in the horse's intestines. Structural carbohydrates (often referred to as fibre) are an essential component of a horse's diet.

A chemical element with the symbol C. Carbon exists in inorganic form as a pure substance that can take several different forms (e.g. diamond and graphite), as well as existing in a large number of inorganic compounds (e.g. limestone, coal,oil or carbon dioxide). Carbon forms more compounds than every other element and these organic compounds with their unusual polymer-forming ability make carbon the chemical basis of all known life.

A term refering to a swelling of the cutaneous bursa (Bursa subcutanea precarpalis) on the front of the carpal joint (knee).

The carpus consists of several small bones arranged in two rows and 3 associated joints between the forearm (radius and ulna) and the cannon (metacarpus). Due to its resemblance to a human kneejoint, it is often refered to as the knee, however anatomically speaking it is a different joint entirely (equivalent to the wrist).

A type of equestrian sport in which between one and four horses pull a carriage and perform in a variety of disciplines including dressage, marathon courses and obstacle courses.

A type of draught horse used to pull a carriage. There are many different breeds used to pull carriages but a carriage horse can be a breed type in itself.

Carrying tongs consist of a pair of handles joined at the base with a rivet. The ends of the handles are curved and their points are tapered to fit the nail holes. Their shape depends on the style of shoeing being practiced.

Cartilage is a firm but flexible type of connective tissue found in many areas of the body. It consists of cells (chondrocytes) and extracellular matrix with collagen and elastin fibres, cartilage does not have a direct blood supply which makes it very slow to heal. There are several types of cartilage found throught the body: hyaline cartilage (e.g. on the ends of bones in joints), elastic cartilage (e.g. in the ears and the nose) and fibrocartilage (e.g. in bronchial tubes and menisci).

A type of bandage or tape made from fiberglass fabric impregnated with polyurethane resin. Exposure to moisture or water initiates a chemical reaction which causes the tape to become rigid. The humidity of air is sufficient to cause the reaction. The casting tape is suitable for stabilisation of the hoof and is used effectively for pedal bone fractures. The tape can also assist in rebuilding a hoof that is severely damaged giving further purchase for nailing on shoes.

The removal or destruction of the gonads (in the male the testes, in the female the ovaries). In horses it is usual to castrate male animals. This can be done by a variety of methods: standing sedated with local anaesthesia of recumbent in general anaesthesia.