If hoof structures are poorly developed, then they will be less capable of going barefoot and, even when shod, not as ready for withstanding continuous training. To avoid sore feet, the quality of the trimming and shoeing and interval between shoeing
I am often asked about leaving horses barefoot. I must say from the onset that I favor horses being maintained without shoes when possible. Whether or not it is feasible for a horse to go without shoes will depend on the owner’s situation and
When they are compromised due to disease processes such as laminitis, or poor internal hoof balance that leads to poor blood flow and overstressing of internal structures, putting the feet in comfortable alignment and applying massage helps them heal
Acute and chronic laminitis is a frustrating and often disheartening condition to manage. Having had the opportunity to observe, treat and shoe laminitic horses for over 30 years, I have a unique prospective into this disease.
The biggest
Shelly, crumbly feet can be a challenge for horses and their owners. The feet break down too readily if the horse is barefoot, and they are unable to hold nails if he’s shod. In this article we’ll look at several causes and potential treatments for
Barbaro’s death might lead one to think that despite the best veterinary care available, horses with severe leg injuries and/or laminitis are unrecoverable and should be immediately destroyed. But one equine veterinarian says that couldn’t be further
When horse owners wer
Five days after undergoing surgery, Barbaro was in excellent condition, according to a report from the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.
“He looks good, everything is fine
My sister’s gelding has sesamoid problems on both forelimbs. Can the sesamoid bones be removed?
An owner looks for help for a filly that wears down her feet unevenly with turned-out toes.
As a rule of thumb, we know that our horses should be trimmed (and shod if necessary) at least every six to eight weeks. But where did those numbers come from? Van Heel recently studied how a hoof changes between trims, and she found that neglecting
I’ve just adopted a wild horse and have heard that they often don’t need shoes. Do we need to shoe her?
Though a seemingly innocuous injury, a stone bruise can result in a horse’s demise if left untreated.
They are questions most horse owners have pondered at one time or another. Does my horse really need shoes? Do they help or hinder him?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Consideration must be given to several factors, including a horse’
Whether you’re a heavy horse fancier or not, a big hitch of fancy draft horses is an arresting sight. But what’s the connection between all this flash and the ideal function of a heavy horse? Show ring insiders say you’re seeing an animal
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