When I started with horses I relayed on the farrier to let me know if there was a problem with any of the horses hooves.
Not a good thing when you really think about it!
Knowing your horse and every part of them is important, that way you get to know when they are not feeling well or in pain.
Believe me horses can hide their pain! It is to do with survival. When you do notice there is something wrong, it is usually when the illness as took an hold on the horse and this 95% of the time can be avoided if we know the body language of our horse. All the tell tail signs are there! Just understanding what the horse is saying. Read all about body language here.
Always remember when cleaning out the hooves, if there is a smell and it isn't very pleasant, it more then likely is thrush!
Ask your farrier about the smell and he will tell you for sure what it is.
It will become a problem if left untreated and painful for the horse!
Ten hoof care tips to help keep your horse's hooves healthy and strong.
1. Pick out your horse’s feet.
2. Establish what’s normal.
3. When picking out the feet, look for signs of: Thrush. Puncture. Cracks. Abscess.
4. Schedule regular farrier visits according to your horse’s individual needs.
5. If your horse is shod, check his shoes each time you pick out his feet.
6. Help your horse grow the best possible hooves.
7. Avoid the “summer cycle” of alternate soaking and drying of hooves.
8. Try not to turn out in deep, muddy footing.
9. Protect your horse’s hooves during transportation.
10. Learn how to remove a shoe–yes, you!
Thank you to Farrier Dave Ward for sharing this information on the ten hoof care tips!
You can find, Dave, on FaceBook and also his website
I have added a page to the site with a detailed hoof, from our young lady, Pip and added a list of every name of the hoof.
Do you know where the, frog is on the hoof? Or where the toe is, the water mark or the sole?
You can find out here and it is a clear diagram for you to look at.
How good are you on the hoof? Well, lets see how many you can name!! I have set up all the parts that have names to the hoof and numbered each one. Write down what you think they are and then take a look at the hoof page here and see how, if not all, are right! Surprise your farrier when he comes to do their trim and let him know you know all about the hooves! Show your friends and ask them if they know the names and see how much they really do know! Have fun!!! |