The soft, triangular, fleshy part on the underside of a horse’s hoof is called the frog. It is a V-shaped, resilient structure positioned between the heels and extending forward across much of the sole.
The frog is not the same as the hoof wall, which is the hard keratinized outer covering, or the sole, which protects the underside of the foot. Its rubbery tissue helps provide traction and cushioning, especially on firm ground. The flexible hoof also changes shape slightly under load, helping distribute forces as the horse walks or runs.
The name can sound surprising because it is shared with the amphibian, but “frog” is the established anatomical term in farriery and veterinary medicine. The frog contains a central groove, or sulcus, and two collateral grooves along its sides. It also participates in the hoof’s circulation mechanism by helping the foot’s soft tissues compress and release as weight shifts.
Poor hoof hygiene or prolonged exposure to wet, contaminated conditions can lead to thrush, an infection affecting the frog. Regular movement, appropriate trimming, and clean, dry footing help maintain hoof health.