How to Maintain Your Horse's Hooves

There is a common misconception about what truly makes a horse. Some believe it is their kind and willing heart; some believe their massive muscles and strong body. Others believe it is their conformation. All of these are factors that make a horse great; but without healthy feet, none of these assets can benefit the animal. The horse’s hooves are one of the most important things to maintain to keep a healthy, happy and competitive equine. Without the hoof, you do not have a horse. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Understand your horse’s feet. A good farrier and veterinarian can help you determine this. White hooves generally are weaker because they are more susceptible to flaking, chipping and cracking. Darker hooves are notorious for being more solid but they can also be weak as well.
2. Start by putting your horse on a regulated farrier schedule. Find a blacksmith that you feel comfortable with and schedule them to come trim or shoe your horse once every five to six weeks.
3. Take note of the terrain around your barn. If the ground is dry and hard use hoof grease to moisturize the foot. Hoof packing is also a great help with dry feet. If there are tons of rocks around be sure to pick out your horse’s feet on a daily basis to keep rocks and stones from creating bruises and abscesses. If the area is really damp, try to keep your horse in a drier area and be on the lookout for thrush, a fungus that has a strong smell and is notorious for festering in horse’s hooves.
4. Consider your horse’s sport. Be sure to verbalize this to your blacksmith and decide upon what type of shoes will fit best. The more work a horse does will determine the type of shoe, traction and shoeing schedule.
5. Maintain your horse’s feet no matter what the terrain is or what their job is. Be sure to visually evaluate the appearance of the horse’s feet on a day to day basis. Pick out your horse’s hooves on a regular basis and treat any weakness they might have.
6. Keep your horse on a proper diet. A healthy diet is an essential start to healthy feet. If your horse’s feet are weak, then add a supplement to your horse’s daily nutrition.