Anuario Raza Polo Argentino Anuario2017 | Page 258

Hoof maintenance
as regards conformation and injuries
By Federico Oyuela
Veterinary Surgeon
Argentine School of Farriers
Here is a simple overview of the influence correct paring and shoeing management
has on conformation and injury avoidance.
We are fully aware of the huge effort that maintaining
and improving production quality entails; the
dedication and investment involved in achieving
the best possible quality products. Regardless of
the production scheme, the list is very long, going
from taxes to genetic improvement.
Once the foal is born, new needs arise as regards
its care to keep it healthy, growing at a normal
pace in an environment that will enable it to reach
adulthood in such a way as to be able to develop
its potential.
In order to achieve good end quality, it is just as
important to have genetic quality as it is to keep
up sanitary, food and environmental conditions in
relation to maintenance. A very important aspect
that is sometimes not taken into account is hoof
maintenance.
It is a fact that conformation is determined
genetically. However, it could be modified by forces
or pressure exerted on limbs both within the womb
or after birth. A key factor is the forces that act
upon limb gr