The sum of the nail holes and their location relative to the outer edge of the shoe. If the holes are close to the outer edge this is known as fine holing. If the holes are further away the holing is said to be coarse.

The end of the nail which tapers to a point.

A penetrating injury of the sensitive structures of the hoof through a misplaced nail. This results in inflammation and possibly infection and can lead to the formation of a nail abcess.

Pincers with a specially shaped head with which nails can be individually pulled from fullered shoes.

A term used to refer to an old pritchel which is used to remove the remains of a broken nail from the nail channel in the hoof.

The shaft of the nail between the tapered neck and the bevel of the point. It is rectangular in cross-section and can vary in length.

Historical term. A blacksmith that was specialised in the manufacture of horseshoe nails. Now obsolete as this is all done by machine.

The process of attaching the horseshoe to the hoof using nails.

The Natural Balance Shoeing (NBS) system involves the use of a special shoe with a squared rocked toe that is attached as far back from the toe as is possible. The aim is to mimic the natural shape of hooves on feral horses; by bringing the breakover point further back and allowing the hoof to experience wear at the toe (which protrudes over the shoe) the joints and ligaments are reported to be subject to less stress and the hoof at the toe does not increase in length between shoeings.

A small bone which is located palmar/plantar to the distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint) and acts as a pulley for the deep digital flexor tendon.