Walking On Volume 5, Issue 4, April 2018 | Page 10

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Farrier Tips for Healthy Hooves
By David J Baker 
Here is a list of 10 top hoof care tips from farriers to
keep your horses hooves in the best possible condition.
1 Pick out your horse’s feet regularly. This may
sound pretty basic but it’s the one most important
thing that you can do to keep his hooves in great
condition. Not only will you ensure that they are
free from any stones and debris which may have
become wedged there, but you will also be able to
catch any potential problems early enough before
they progress into something more serious.
2 Protect your horse’s feet whilst travelling. Trans-
portation is a common time for injury, caused by
the horse catching his balance and stepping on one
of his own feet. Make sure that whatever boots or
bandages you use reach virtually to ground level.
Heels and coronet bands are vulnerable areas for
damage, so make sure they are well protected.
3 Try not to turn horses out into muddy deep graz-
ing land. Standing in the wet for hours on end can
encourage thrush to develop, along with other
problems. Sticky, oozing mud always has the risk of
pulling off shoes as well, and may damage the hoof
in the process.
4 Ensure that your horse has regular visits from the
farrier. Whether he is shod or not, he will need his
feet seeing to on a regular basis. If possible, book
your next visit with the farrier each time he comes,
that way you never need to worry about remem-
bering to book an appointment.
5 Check your horse’s shoes each time you pick out
his feet. Look for loose shoes or risen clenches.
Clenches are the part of the nail which is in the
wall of the hoof, and your farrier will have bent this
in flush to the wall of the foot during shoeing. One
of the first warnings of a loose shoe is when one or
more of these clenches begins to rise.
6 Help your horse to grow the healthiest hooves
possible, and ensure that he has a well balanced
diet. If you are not sure exactly what to feed, or any
supplements to add, speak to your feed merchant
or vet.
7 Only work your horse on good surfaces. Don’t
go galloping along stony, rough surfaces, and pay
attention to the ground conditions at all times.
8 Learn what is normal with your horse’s feet. Note
their normal temperature, how they feel and take
notice of any notches or nodules peculiar to the
individual horse. This way, if something changes
then you will instantly recognize it.
9 Learn about the most common foot problems such
as Thrush, cracks, abscesses and puncture wounds.
Make sure you know how to recognize them and
what your first course of action should be.
10 Learn how to remove a shoe in an emergency. Your
farrier will be glad to show you how to do this
safely, as if you can prevent hoof damage from a
shoe hanging off, you can prevent any unnecessary
damage to the foot itself.
Learn more farrier tips at [http://www.farrierconnection.com]
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_J_Baker/910149
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