Blood Pumping Mechanism of the Hoof
Recorded: May 23, 2026, 12:57 a.m.
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Blood Pumping Mechanism of the Hoof | Extension Horses
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Blood Pumping Mechanism of the Hoof Blood is pumped from the heart through arteries to the hoof and is assisted in its return through a “pumping mechanism” in the hoof. This mechanism is necessary due to the position of the hoof in relation to the heart. There are no muscles in the lower leg or hoof to aid in the return of venous blood to the heart. Thus, the hoof has to pump venous blood back to the heart. How the coffin bone aids in pumping blood back up the horse’s leg is integral for proper circulation in the horse. Learn more about the other bones of the hoof. Craig Wood, University of Kentucky Search for Topics Search for: Join WebinarsCategories Breeds Business Resources Diseases Exercise and Performance Facilities Feeding Management Feeds Health Hoof Care Horse Judging Horse Safety Horses Infographics Management Nutrition Podcast Reproduction and Breeding Resources Selection and Use Trail Riding Training and Behavior This is a national Cooperative Extension resource This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. © All rights reserved. Recent Posts To Blanket or Not to Blanket: The Story of putting it on and taking it off! Forage Substitutes for Horses It’s Time: The story of preparing for the upcoming breeding season
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Blood is circulated from the heart via arteries to the hoof, and its return is facilitated by a unique "pumping mechanism" located within the hoof. This mechanism is necessitated by the hoof's anatomical position relative to the heart, as there are no muscles in the lower leg or hoof capable of aiding in the return of venous blood to the heart. Consequently, the hoof is responsible for pumping venous blood back toward the heart. This pumping action is driven by an extensive network of veins known as a venous plexus, which is situated on both sides of the lateral cartilages and within the sensitive structures of the hoof. The act of pumping occurs when the plantar cushion compresses these venous plexuses against the lateral cartilages or the coffin bone, functioning as a pump to force blood upward through the leg and back to the heart. To manage this flow and protect the structure, one-way valves within the leg veins prevent the blood from flowing back into the hoof. Furthermore, the compression of the plexuses acts as a valve, containing blood within the vessels below them, which in turn creates a "hydraulic cushion." This cushion serves to dissipate concussion and protect the fragile coffin bone. This valve action and associated fluid pressure contribute to the circulatory dynamics. When the hoof is raised, the compressed veins open, allowing blood to exit up the leg and fill the plexuses. Conversely, each time the foot bears weight, the veins are compressed. This cycle is further driven by arterial pulses and gravity, which push the blood upward. The weight of the horse is instrumental in forcing the blood back up the leg, a mechanism often referred to as the second heart. The role of the coffin bone is integral to this process, as it aids in the proper circulation within the horse. Craig Wood of the University of Kentucky described this process. |