Hoof Care

Rob Daniels

You may have heard the adage “No hoof, no horse.” Indeed, hoof care is critical for keeping your horse healthy. Unlike many of the other conditions that afflict horses, hoof maladies are largely preventable. This article will instruct you in tasks which, performed on a regular basis, will help in avoiding joint, back, and leg problems, prevent lameness, and enable your horse to move about freely and comfortably.

A nutritious diet is vital to keeping your horse healthy from his tip to his toes. A diet inadequate in calories will result in reduced hoof growth. In particular, protein and calcium deficiencies can lead to slowed growth and poor hoof quality. The best approach to insuring nutrition levels is using a premium horse feed that is fortified with the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. Follow the recommended feeding rates. In addition, biotin supplementation has been shown to increased growth and hoof quality in extensive studies. Similarly, methionine, iodine, zinc, and essential fatty acids have improved the hoof quality in horses and cattle.

Daily exercise is another important component of hoof care. The hoof is divided into three main parts: the wall, the sole, and the frog. The application of pressure and release on the frog is how blood circulates through the hoof. Daily exercise nourishes the hoof and keeps it in good condition. Inadequate exercise can lead to dry hooves.

Giving your horse clean, dry bedding and proper footing will help to prevent soft hooves and thrush. Wet conditions promote rapid drying of the hooves which lead to cracking and chipping. Make sure your stable and paddock areas are not damp and allow for proper drainage to minimize the time your horse must stand in water or mud.

In addition to these provisions you must clean your horse’s hooves daily to keep them in good shape. Hooves that are not cleaned regularly are prone to thrush, stone bruises, and other problems. To clean your horse’s hooves you will need a hoof pick and a hoof brush and a bucket of water. For safety reasons, always secure your horse before any grooming procedure.

To pick up your horse’s feet, stand to the side of your horse facing his back end. Never stand directly in front of or behind your horse, just in case he decides to bolt or kick. Bend or squat, instead of kneeling or sitting, so that you can move away if you need to. Run your hand down your horse’s leg, from just above the knee down to the ankle. When your horse picks up his foot, cradle his hoof in your hand. Be careful not to bend the leg back off to the side, but at its natural angle. With your shoulder next to your horse’s shoulder and your pick in your fist, you are ready to begin. Scraping from heel to toe, rid the hoof of dirt using the tip of the pick. Watch for rocks, nails, or any other items that may be lodged around the frog. Be careful to clean the areas around the frog, but don’t scrape the frog itself. Using the hoof brush and the bucket of water, wash away any remaining grime.

In addition to these daily tasks, you should schedule regular visits with your farrier every six to eight weeks. (Some horses need more attention than this; your farrier should decide the frequency your horse needs.) During these visits your farrier will trim your horse’s hooves, remove and replace his shoes, if your horse is shod, and check to make sure everything looks okay. It is important that you develop a good relationship with your farrier and ask questions so that you understand your horse’s hooves. Contact your farrier or veterinarian between visits if you notice anything out of the ordinary—puncture wounds, a limp, or a sudden change in temperature or appearance. Prompt attention to the matter can save a horse from lameness or unnecessary discomfort.

Healthy hooves are the foundation to good horse health. When it comes to hoof care, you must put your foot down!

About the author:

Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net