Equine Health - Hoof Care
Routine Maintenance of Horses Hooves and How it Effects Horse Health
Aug 14, 2009
A horse’s hoof is the foundation for its movement, joint health, and circulation. So much of a horse’s health and soundness depends on the strength, structure, shape, and health of the hooves. Most problems which arise from unhealthy or misshapen hooves can be prevented with routine and basic care. Other problems can be addressed and corrected over time.
Daily Hoof Picking
It is the responsibility of the owner or care giver to make sure that the horses’ hooves are picked out and cleaned daily. This is particularly important in stabled horses as the moisture and bacteria from the stall can have adverse effects on the hoof.
The outer structures of the equine hoof are the wall (the hard exterior), the sole (the hard portion on the underside of the hoof), the frog (the rubbery, triangular pad covering part of the sole), and the bars (the part of the wall which bend in around the top of the frog). These must all be cleaned daily, particularly the frog which is prone to infection (thrush).
As the hooves are picked out, it is important to note other aspects of hoof health. The frog should be rubbery, not too soft, and if it has turned black and oozy the horse might have thrush. This can be easily treated with a topical ointment. If the horse is wearing shoes the person picking out the hoof should check that the nails are intact and not protruding from the wall, and that the shoe is not loose. If the shoe is loose it must be removed as it can cause tears and cracks if the horse rips it out.
Shoeing and Farriers
A good, experienced, and qualified farrier is essential for equine hoof health, and the overall health which comes from hoof health. A poorly shod hoof can cause strain in the tendons and joints as well as putting undue stress on the hoof itself. A good farrier is worth the extra money he might cost as a well shod horse is less likely to injure itself.
The strength of the hoof wall and the quality of hoof growth is very important. Farriers will usually explain what they are doing while they work, and comment on the horse’s hooves and what can be done to improve them. The farrier might recommend a supplement or a topical treatment.
The hoof angle and the angle created between the hoof, the pastern and the fetlock effects joint and tendon health in the horse’s legs. The farrier should know the ideal slope of the hoof for the horse and if the horse does not have that angle the farrier might gradually attempt to alter the angle over time. The wrong angle of a horse’s hoof can lead to undue stress on the tendons and ligaments, leading to bowed tendons ( horse-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/equine_health_bowed_tendons ).
Not all horses need shoes, however those in heavy work or with weak or crumbing hooves would benefit from wearing shoes. Some owners choose to let their horses not wear shoes for a few months each year to let them strengthen naturally. Some horses benefit from this while others become foot sore and lame. Each horse is an individual, and their hoof health should not be left up to trends and fads.
Supplements and Topical Hoof Treatments
Horses with weak, slow growing, cracked, brittle or soft hooves might benefit from feeding supplements or applying topical treatments. A farrier should be consulted before starting any treatment or supplement.
Biotin is a commonly fed supplement which promotes hoof growth and strength. This is ideal for horse with weak or slow growing hooves. Most hoof supplements will contain biotin however pure biotin may also be used and is often cheaper. Hoof supplements must be fed for 6 months to a year before the results can be seen.
Topical treatments vary greatly and each product must be used with caution. Oily products can be used for cracked hooves, but they often make the hoof wall too soft. The best products are those which act like human nail varnish. They add a protective layer which strengthens the hoof wall and acts as a barrier from moisture. This helps prevent cracking and helps strengthen the hoof while waiting for the biotin or other supplement to work. Some products that work like this are Keratex Hoof Hardener and Tuff Stuff. Keratex also offers many other products which address a range of hoof health problems.
Prevention and diligence are the keys to long term hoof health. This, coupled with a good relationship with a qualified farrier, will keep the horse as sound as possible.
