Domesticated horses are susceptible to a variety of foot problems; but, if you maintain positive working relationships with your horse’s farrier and veterinarian, you may be able to fix and eliminate some of these issues. Throughout the course of this post, we are going to talk about common foot problems as well as basic hoof care methods. This is to ensure that you can recognise any issues with your horse’s hooves and know how often they should be changed. You are protecting your horse’s health over the long run when you pay attention to its hooves. Let’s take a look at some of the best practices for maintaining the soundness of your horse’s hooves.
How frequently should your horse get its feet trimmed and shoes changed? The delicate tissues and the bone that are found within the hoof of horses are shielded by the hoof wall. Because of this, the region in question is extremely fragile and requires the utmost attention and care at all times. Regular trimming of a horse’s hooves with good horse supplies is essential maintenance, much like how humans maintain the length of our fingernails. If it is done correctly, your horse should not feel any pain from having its nails clipped and shod. This is because horseshoes are hammered into the external layer of the hoof of a horse.
You should cut your horse’s mane and shoes more or less frequently depending on the time of year: Horses should have their hooves clipped or shod at minimum once every six to eight weeks throughout the summer. Nevertheless, depending on how fast their horse’s feet are growing, horse owners should do regular foot trimming on their animals. For instance, performing horses may require more frequent trimming than other types of horses. The hooves of horses develop more slowly in the winter, so they may go longer without being trimmed. It might be anywhere from six to twelve weeks before the horse’s hooves need to be trimmed again.
The equine foot is susceptible to the effects of the weather- You may need to use greater caution while dealing with the hooves of your horse if the weather is very severe. Cracks in a horse’s foot are more likely to appear in dry climates or in environments with frequent shifts from moist to dry conditions.
In addition, when the intervals between trimmings are too lengthy, the hoof wall frequently breaks because it is not maintained enough. The unfortunate reality is that the hereditary predisposition of some horses to have poor foot quality and to be more susceptible to difficulties can occasionally be the cause of this condition.
To cure these issues, apply some hoof moisturiser to the hoof surface and sole when the weather is dry or if the hoof is forming cracks. This should be done whenever the hoof is showing signs of deterioration. In addition, a healthy diet and the use of hoof supplements can contribute to an improvement in hoof condition. Last but not least, you need to be sure to clip the horse more frequently.
If the horse is kept outside all year, more precautions need to be taken during the winter months. Snow that accumulates under the sole can lead to bruising as well as an unstable footing. In addition, if the horse has conventional shoes on, the ice might be very hazardous.
