FOUR INDICATIONS OF DETERIORATING HOOF CONDITION

Paying attention to the appearance of the hoof wall and sole when cleaning them can catch problems early on. Cracks and flaking walls are a sign that the hoof wall has lost strength and flexibility. The hoof may be too dry or has been subjected to too much moisture.

Cracks, flakes and chips allow bacteria and fungus to enter the hoof wall and compromise the health of the hoof.

They should be cleaned thoroughly and treated with an antimicrobial agent such as iodine or one of the hoof waxes to prevent bacteria eating into the white line.

A horse’s hooves should grow at a rate between 5mm and 10mm per month.

During the winter this may be slower which can be frustrating as good healthy growth tends to make a healthier foot.

Nutrition is often a factor in poor hoof growth and feeding a good hoof supplement will often stimulate good hoof growth.

When a horse is shod, the hoof wall should be healthy and strong enough to hold the shoes for a regular period – normally 5 – 6 weeks.

The importance of regular farrier appointments cannot be stressed enough to establish a balanced and healthy hoof.

Soft, crumbly walls may be the result of a wet environment while a very dry environment can contribute to brittle, flaking walls.

If your horse is losing shoes frequently, the health of the hoof and the environment may need evaluation.

Paying attention to your horse’s movement and personality can help you to pinpoint early signs of discomfort or pain in the hooves.

A reluctance to move forward or to perform well on certain surfaces, moving more slowly and becoming irritable when urged forward can be a sign of tenderness and indicate an issue is developing.