Hooves are like pumps for horses' lymphatic system

Most of us think of the hoof primarily as a structural support system — something that bears weight and protects internal structures.  But the hoof is also a dynamic circulatory mechanism. Horses have no significant muscle mass below the knee or hock. That means they can’t rely on muscle contraction in the lower limb to move blood and lymphatic fluid back up the leg.  Instead, every time the hoof contacts the ground the frog compresses, the digital cushion expands, the hoof capsule flexes, blood is pushed upward, and lymphatic fluid is mobilized. The lymphatic system does not have its own pump like the heart. It depends on motion and compression.  Movement is essential for health in horses. When a horse moves thousands of steps per day — as they were designed to — circulation stays active. Inflammatory waste is cleared. Tissue stays nourished.  When movement is restricted swelling increases, inflammation lingers, hoof quality declines, lymph stagnates, healing slows, and digestion slows. 

We often treat stocking up, laminitis, or poor hoof growth as isolated problems.  Many times, they are circulation problems.  Remove movement, remove the pump.

Prioritize movement.
Incorporate daily turn out.
Use track systems if space is limited.
Allow varied terrain and footings.

The hoof is not just a structure to trim.  It is a living mechanism designed to move fluid, clear inflammation, and support whole-body health.  When we understand that, we stop chasing symptoms — and start restoring function from the ground up.