Proper hoof care is vital for your horse to maintain soundness and prevent painful conditions like laminitis that take root in the hoof. Many equestrians, especially those new to owning a horse, forget the importance of caring for the hoof. What are some of the fundamentals of hoof care that every owner should remember?
The key points to remember when it comes to hoof care are
- Horses need to have their hooves picked at least once a day to remove excess dirt and debris from inside
- Keep the horse’s everyday environment as clean and dry as possible
- Horses should have a hoof trim and their shoes checked roughly every 6 to 8 weeks
These are just some rules of thumb to follow when caring for your horse’s hooves. Continue below to learn more about the basics of equine hoof care.
Guidelines For Proper Horse Hoof Care
Horse’s hooves and legs are delicate, so they must receive regular attention. The most fundamental thing you can remember to do for your horse is to pick out their hooves at least once a day. It can be done before or after riding. Regular picking prevents the buildup of dirt and debris inside the hoof and thrush, which occurs when the hooves go uncared for.
Trimming the hooves is another important aspect of hoof care done with a farrier, along with shoeing. Being barefoot and shod offer different benefits, so it is up to each owner to decide what is best for their horse.
The most common timeline for horses to get a trim is every six to eight weeks. The timeline can vary based on a number of factors including horse age, the climate they live in, their diet, the environment around them, and how often they are exercised. For example, hooves grow slower in the winter so they will not need a trim as often.
Hooves have to be trimmed before a shoe goes on. If a hoof is uneven, the shoe will also be uneven.
Equestrians should also mind the ground in the areas where their horse spends most of their time. This is part of hoof care because hooves exposed to wet and dirty conditions are more prone to health problems like laminitis. A horse’s environment needs to be as clean and dry as possible. Keep in mind that this does not mean they should be in a stable all the time. Horses need time outside to run, play, and enjoy being a horse.
Another important thing to consider with hoof care is your horse’s diet. Horses need plenty of high-fiber forage like hay and grass to maintain the structure and health of their hoof. If there is not enough forage in their diet, consider feeding a biotin supplement.
How To Make Caring for The Hooves Less Stressful for Horses
Some horses find the regular hoof care routine and farrier visits stressful. The calming and stress-reducing properties of BioPro Armour ensure your horse’s comfort through the entire process. Thanks to the power of thymic proteins, keeping the hooves healthy is a breeze. Give it a try today, you won’t regret it!
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