Why Are My Horse’s Hooves Growing So Fast?
- Posted by Scott Fleming, DVM, CF
Q.I keep my Western pleasure horse’s front feet shod year-round so he can stay in work during the winter and to keep his hooves in decent shape; otherwise they tend to flare and crack. During our main riding season (March-late October), he’s on a six-week trim and reset schedule. But during the winter, when all our other horses’ hoof growth slows, his doesn’t—the farrier jokes that he could be trimmed every three weeks. What could be causing his hooves to grow so fast, and why would it be different from the other horses? They’re all on the same diet, exercise schedules, etc., they just have different genetics.
—Via e-mail
A.Hoof growth, be it fast or slow, is a common discussion among horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians. On average, an adult horse hoof grows from the coronary band to the ground surface in one year. Younger horses’ and foals’ hooves grow much faster
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Written by:
Scott Fleming, DVM, CF
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One Response
I have a mini horse. I just had her his trimmed three months ago and they need trimmed again. What am I doing to make them grow so fast