The feet of wild horses have been able to adapt to their environment, while the feet of domestic horses seem to consistently fail at adapting and instead collapse, crack, flare, and bruise.
Winter’s finally over and you’re ready to roll down the road. Your horse is fit, you’ve been coached to new heights, and visions of blue ribbons dance in your dreams. Suddenly, your happy dream turns into a nightmare as you recall what happened
When your farrier and/or your veterinarian discuss how to solve the hoof problems you are encountering with your horse–be it from injury or disease–you will be better able to understand your options, and get your horse back on his feet in the short
Of all the medical crises that can afflict a horse, laminitis surely is one of the most alarming. Horribly painful, and potentially devastating to his long-term soundness, the strange syndrome whereby the coffin bone inside the hoof begins to
By leaving a horse barefoot, one allows the hoof’s natural functions of shock absorption, traction, and biomechanics to perform at their optimum. Shoes inhibit natural function and the horse’s natural way of going, and limb interference with shoes
The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has issued a statement cautioning enthusiastic horse owners not to tackle their own hoof care work in pursuit of a natural unshod hoof. Reacting to the groundswell of popular interes”P>The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has i
Generally speaking, the average horse used for trail and pleasure riding should have its feet trimmed or reshod every six to eight weeks.
The barn manager said my horse was graveled and called the veterinarian. Could you please explain what that means?”he barn manager said my horse was graveled and called the veterinarian. Could “e barn manager said my horse was graveled a” barn manag
Like everyone else, farriers need an occasional pat on the back in recognition of their dedication, hard work, sacrifice and the impact they have on horses.
That’s what’s behind National Farriers Week,
A bruised sole can happen as quickly and simply as a horse stepping on a rock or working on a hard surface. It can occur as the result of excessive hoof trimming, or be associated with laminitis. Sole bruising can be an uncomplicated condition
Here’s how to find a farrier whose experience is suited to your horse’s breed and to your equestrian activities, what questions to ask a prospective farrier, and what to expect at—and how to prepare for—the first visit.
Fed in the recommended amounts, the vast majority of hoof supplements will do no harm to your horse, but beware of feeding higher levels than suggested on the label, or doubling up with multiple supplements.
A hoof abscess is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. It occurs swiftly and usually needlessly–a nail or sharp piece of wire or metal is left lying about, an unlucky horse steps on the object, penetration occurs, and is followe
Horses lose shoes for many reasons, and a lost shoe–or the cause of it–is the topic most likely to send a farrier’s blood pressure into orbit.
Does the sound of sleigh bells set your nerves on edge, anticipating a wreck on the icy patch down the road? Do you dream of the day next spring when you will be able to see your horse below his knees? Do you lie awake at night designing
Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with
