A horse’s environment and job can have a large impact on their hooves. Proper horse hoof care and maintenance is essential for a horse to be able to do its job, as well as the overall health of the horse. Its imperative for any horse owner to know basic horse care. Daily grooming and hoof maintenance should be some of your top priorities as a responsible horse owner. Its also important to have a knowledgeable vet experienced in horse care, as well as an experienced farrier.

Here are some basic hoof care tips:

• Schedule regular hoof trimmings. Its important to schedule regular trimmings with a farrier every six to eight weeks. A farrier is a horse hoof specialist who will trim and balances hooves and can put on horseshoes. Your horse’s hooves will grown approximately a quarter of an inch per month. Allowing the hooves to grow too long can cause them to crack, chip off, curl, or break off. Any of these problems can lead to serious leg injuries for your horse. Its important to have an experienced farrier to trim your horse’s hooves as opposed to doing them yourself. If a horse’s hooves are trimmed too short, this can also lead to painful bruising or abscesses.
• Clean off buildup. Natural elements like mud, rocks, manure, and snow can buildup into the bottom of your horse’s hooves. This buildup can put pressure on the sole, leading to bacterial infections or a weakened hoof structure. Ideally, hooves should be cleaned out daily. If you aren’t able to clean them daily, its imperative to clean them out every time you ride.
• Use a horse hoof moisturizer. If you live in a climate with particularly dry seasons, its important to use a horse hoof moisturizer to keep the hooves from getting brittle. When choosing a moisturizer, try to avoid one that gives the hoof an oily coating which can soften the hoof wall too much.
• Keep your horse out of wet bedding and mud. During rainy seasons, try to keep your horse clear of mud and keep their bedding dry. This can prevent fungus from growing. Wet ground can also create a suction, loosening your horse’s shoes.
• Use supplements if necessary. Some horses may need a biotin or selenium supplement if they have weak hooves. Before giving your horse any supplements, its important to consult with your vet or farrier.
• Consider protecting your horse’s hooves with horseshoes. Depending on your horse’s environment and job, your horse may need to wear horseshoes. Shoes will protect their hooves from wear and tear and can help keep them in balance. Horseshoes will typically last about six weeks.
• Feed your horse well. A healthy horse will have better hooves, so its important to maintain a good feed program. Horses who don’t receive quality nutrition will have reduced hoof growth and weak hooves.
• Give your horse some exercise. Exercise is good for your horse’s overall health as well as their hoof health. Regular exercise at a walk or trot will increase blood circulation to your horse’s hooves, encouraging proper growth and hoof strength.

For more information on horseshoes and horse hoof care and maintenance, contact Tylor James today at 706-699-8976 or schedule an appointment online.