Under ideal conditions, the horse’s hoof is a perfect protection for the sensitive structures contained within. Domestication of the horse has destroyed the ideal conditions (if they ever existed) and now the horse requires hoof care. Proper care of the feet of your horse can have profound effects of the soundness of the animal, and curtail some costs of horse keeping. Your farrier and veterinarian can help you establish a hoof care and nutritional program to help you keep a sound, healthy horse.

There are several things that you need to be aware of in order to provide proper hoof care for your horse. The hoof is not just an end of the leg, but a living and very complicated portion of the limb, no hoof - no horse . Whether you use or ride your horse, the hoof wall grows constantly. Either it grows more rapidly than it is worn away, or the hoof is worn away more rapidly than it grows, in either case hoof care is required. When the worn away hoof is protected with a shoe, it too becomes part of the other extreme; an excessive amount of growth will soon become a problem. You can’t put the horse aside, ignore its requirements, and not pay the consequences in cost as well as risk of disability of the horse.

NUTRITION

Remember, you are responsible for the well being of your horse; it can do nothing for itself to promote sound, healthy hooves. Your awareness of and proper attention to the special needs of the feet should keep the horse healthy and better able to meet your needs for pleasure or performance.

Health problems are often first noticed in the feet. The overall health of the horse may be judged by the condition of the feet. Learn as much about the hoof and nutritional needs of your horse, and the people who give the care. You may be able to insure better care by being discriminating about what is done as well as by whom.

HOME

Wherever the horse is kept, it should be free from rubbish, wire, nails or objects the horse can get injured on. Hooves reflect their environment. Wet conditions produce soft hoof walls; dry conditions produce hard hoof walls, and dirty conditions produce unhealthy, diseased hooves.

HANDLING

Foals should be imprinted shortly after birth for handling of the feet. All feet should be lifted and held immobile until the animal has overcome its fear of restraint and handling. Horses should be taught to stand quietly while all feet are handled. It is not the farriers responsibility to teach your horse good manners.

TRIMMING

The average trimming interval may be 6-10 weeks, unless some special circumstance dictates otherwise. The trimming interval depends on several factors: health of the horse, how much the horse is used, terrain over which the horse is used ,and the relative durability of the hoof wall. Trimming should leave the hoofs ground surface on a signal flat plane, at right angles to its bone support column, and preserve natural angulation of the hoof/pastern/shoulder axis.

Horses only need to be shod when specific conditions are met; when wear exceeds hoof wall growth, to enhance performance or as a therapeutic treatment to minimize effects of disease, trauma, or congenital deformities. Shoeing intervals may very widely, for basically the same reasons as trimming. Hoof walls tend to grow faster in warm, moist times of the year. Colder, drier climates retard growth and may thus lengthen the time between farrier appointments.

DISEASE

You should do all you can to prevent disease, at any cost. Several diseases of the hoof can cause you and your horse problems. While your farrier may be of great help, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Some of the most common elements are.

1. THRUSH
   This is a bacterial infection of the foot. It is most common in warm, dark, damp and dirty conditions. Keeping stalls, paddocks, corrals and feet cleaned helps to relieve the problem.
    
2. ABSCESSES
   These result from invasion of the sensitive foot structures by some means. Most commonly found is a puncture wound caused by a nail or sharp object. While it is technically not a disease, the location of the abscess, the opening/draining, and the treatment of the affected area require the attention of a veterinarian.
3. LAMINITIS AND FOUNDER
   The result of some systemic stresses, these most crippling problems can often be avoided with good husbandry practices. Trimming and shoeing may alleviate lameness symptoms.
    
4. NAVICULAR DISEASE
   The navicular bursa are initially affected by this disease. As the syndrome progresses, bones and joints surrounding the navicular bursa may be affected. Careful diagnosis is necessary to confirm the disease. Trimming and shoeing to prescribed standards may relieve the crippling effects of the disease.
    
5. OTHER
   There are several less common diseases that may develop. They are usually the result of trauma or congenital defects related to the conformation of the horse. Seek advice from you farrier, and treatment from your veterinarian.