Hoof Care – Useful Information
24 Mar 2010
Hoof maintenance is a crucial part of ensuring your horses well being. You should check your horses hooves every day, and at least two to three times each week. You will be able to become very familiar with what is normal and what is not, and be able to to spot any problems that may be starting.
Following this simple checklist will hopefully aid you in your daily routiene.
1. As you approach your horse ensure the symmetry is close, they do not have to be perfectly equal, but very close to the same size and shape.
2. Look carefully for faults in the wall and coronary band. Pick up each hoof, run your hand along the exterior of the wall to feel for impairments. You can use the exact technique for the coronary band and then squeeze it softly. Using these two techniques will also show tender spots and water bearing areas.
3. Examine the sole. Check the colour of every hoof. They should be similar in colouration. A clearly defined dark spot will indicate a bruise or damage.
4. Examine and compare the frogs. The hooves at the front should be of similar proportions and shape and the same with the hooves at the rear. Try and lightly push each frog with your hoof pick, in most areas, with the exception of desert areas, they should be a little spongy.
5. If your horse is shod, grasp the horseshoe and see if it moves. Examine for lost clinches, if the shoe is loose you may opt to remove the shoe before your horse loses it on its own and possibly takes a section of hoof with it.
If you frequently check each hoof, you can avoid a lot of issues by catching the problem before it worsens.
I would recommend you work into your routiene a couple of quick steps. Use your pick working from heel to toe. If packed tightly you will probably need to loosen it up somewhat before it can be removed. Once all the debris is taken out, look at all the regions of the hoof and make positive that there isn't a bad odour as this is normally a clear sign of thrush. Be certain there are no rocks or stones stuck anywhere, particularly underneath the shoe.
The hooves should display a natural gloss on the hoof wall.
If you see a smooth level surface with no cracks, circles, dishes, flares and a concave sole that touches the horseshoe, then you should be confident that your horses hooves are in good condition.
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