Five Steps To Achieve Healthy Hooves For Healthy Horses

The importance of looking after the hooves of your horse is aptly conveyed by the adage "No foot, no horse." Neglected hooves can be dangerous and can lead to discomfort, pain, disfigurement and even lameness. Diseases and infections can also the effects of hooves that are not properly cared. Be sure you understand what routines you must follow and be sure to have good hoof care products at hand so that you can do everything necessary to care for your horse's hooves.

Know your horse's hooves

You will need to study up on the basic anatomy of a horse's foot. General info is available on what a foot should look like and what to look for when problems begin. The front part of a horse's foot is normally like a rubber. But, during your horse's shedding period, it is very normal for the frog to look dry. You should also check for foul smells, wounds, wedged debris or cracks on the surface of your horse's hooves.

Pick your horse's feet regularly

If any stones and debris are wedged in your horse's feet, you must pick them as soon as possible. Regular picking will keep the hooves clean and free from any foreign objects and will allow you to closely inspect them for any signs of injuries and damage. By following these steps you can prevent serious consequences to your horse's health in the future. It is also very important that you pick your horse's feet before riding or walking your horse to remove any debris that can cause soreness after the activity. By using a hoof pick, you can remove debris from the horse's hooves like stones and dirt that can be stuck inside the frog (a part of the hoof). Be sure to closely check the frog for any signs of bacterial infection which you can detect from a foul smell and secretions.

Keep the hooves of the horse trimmed

You must ensure that you trim and level hooves regularly whether your horse is wearing horseshoes or is allowed to walk barefoot.

Ensure that the horseshoes are of the right size. For horses that wear horseshoes, it is crucial that the shoes are not loose, since it can cause discomfort and even lameness. Ensure that the nails fasten the shoes securely in place and such that no stones or other debris are wedged between the horseshoes and the rim.

You must pay visits in routine to your blacksmith, with the horse of course, for getting the shoes of the horse right

Farriers are experts on horse hooves and will be able to answer your questions. Ensure you visit the same periodically and frequently. Farrier visits should take place monthly in the summer, but visits can be spaced a little farther apart in the winter months. If your horse is wearing corrective shoes, more frequent visits may be needed.

Your horse's overall health and well-being will depend on the condition of its hooves. Hence, you should learn to give time and invest in the right products that can improve the health of its hooves.