Which structure in the horse's foot absorbs shock during movement?

The digital cushion is a crucial structure within the horse's foot that plays an essential role in shock absorption during movement. Located just above the frog and beneath the heel, it is composed of a fibrous and elastic tissue that helps to cushion the impact on the horse's foot as it bears weight and moves.

When a horse moves, the forces generated during each step create pressure in the foot, and the digital cushion expands and contracts in response to these pressures. This not only helps in distributing the forces evenly throughout the foot but also aids in the overall comfort and performance of the horse. Essentially, the digital cushion serves as a shock absorber, protecting the hoof and associated structures from stress and potential injury.

In contrast, the navicular bone mainly serves as a bone in the foot that helps in the biomechanics of the hoof but does not directly absorb shock. The frog, while it does play a role in providing traction and some flexibility in the hoof, is primarily a weight-bearing structure and not as effective at shock absorption compared to the digital cushion. The wall of the hoof provides structural support and protection but lacks the cushioning properties essential for shock absorption. Thus, the digital cushion is the most appropriate answer, given its specific function in mitigating the forces exerted on