Hoof care is an important part of making sure your horse stays healthy. Here are five tips to help you care for and maintain your horse’s hooves.
Maintaining your horse’s hooves is important for their health.
Keeping your horse healthy is more than just giving them good feed, grooming them regularly, and letting them run. It also includes making sure their hooves are well maintained. Made from keratin, like our fingernails, healthy hooves keep your horse active. How do you achieve that?
TIP #1: BUILD UP A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH A FARRIER AND VET
A farrier, someone who works with a horse’s hooves, and a vet should be your best friends. They will help you make sure you are feeding your horse properly and prevent hoof issues. They will recommend a regular schedule to trim your horse’s hooves.
They will provide your horse with the right shoeing based on the weather and walking surface. They can help you treat any hoof disease that might come up.
TIP #2: TRIM HOOVES BASED ON THE SEASON
Hooves grow slower in the winter and have them trimmed every 6 to 12 weeks based on how the growth. In the summer, trim the hooves every 6 to 8 weeks. Show horses will need to have their hooves looked at more often and possibly trimmed sooner.
A farrier and a vet can help you keep your horse’s hooves healthy.
TIP #3: KEEP THE HOOVES BALANCED
When your horse has balanced hooves, they can run and walk better. There will be less strain on the ligaments, tendons, and bones of the leg and foot. A balanced hoof will:
Line up the bones correctly
Provide easier movement with every step
Give proper heel support
Allow the foot to land evenly from side to side when your horse walks
TIP #4: FEED YOUR HORSE A BALANCED DIET
What your horse eats can affect their hooves and how they grow. Good quality hay, food, and vitamins will help maintain a healthy hoof. Fresh water will help your horse remain hydrated and not dry out the hoof.
TIP #5: USE HOOF CARE PRODUCTS
Over-the-counter hoof care products can also help keep the hoof healthy. This could include Biotin, Methionine, Zinc, and Biotin. This article offers some great tips for what to keep on hand to care for your horse’s hooves.
If you notice anything strange about your horse’s hooves, call your vet immediately. This could include cracking, abscesses, and thrush. Your vet can offer advice on how to treat the problem.
