What does the digital cushion lie between?

• A. P3, sole horn
• B. P3, navicular bone
• C. P2, sole horn
• D. Digital cushion and hoof wall

Answer: (A)

The digital cushion is a thick, elastic pad of tissue on the plantar/palmar aspect of the hoof, functioning as a shock absorber and helping to distribute weight. In a cross-section of the hoof, this cushion sits directly under the coffin bone (P3) and against the sole horn, filling the space between them. That placement allows it to cushion the bone during impact as the weight-bearing surface meets the ground. It isn’t between the coffin bone and the navicular bone (the navicular bone lies behind the coffin bone and interacts with the deep digital flexor tendon rather than forming a sandwich with the cushion), nor is it between P2 and the sole horn or between the cushion and the hoof wall.