Author: Janine Carter Date posted: Jul 23, 2008 Article views: 150 Wordcount: 560 Re-Publish
Your horses hooves are extremely important in the way of caring for your horses health. It is best to have them trimmed and shod every six to eight weeks. Usually, the ferrier puts you on his schedule for six weeks out unless something comes up to put it off a week or so. You must also pick your horses feet before and after riding him. Pick up his foot and working from heel to toe, take your hoof pick and clean out the dirt and debris from the hoof and shoe. Dirt being left in the hoof can cause fungal infections and other problem with the legs. And stones left in the hoof can hurt the horses foot. Your stable floor should be kept as dry as possible allowing for proper drainage so that the animal won't be standing in a wet stall. or paddock. Standing in a wet environment for too long will cause the hoof to dry and crack.
The Hoof wall is also important to take care of as it controls the moisture balance. Wash off the foot carefully with a wet hoof brush. In a dry climate this will keep in the hoof moisture. In damp wet climates use hoof oil on the underside of the foot to stop the hooves from becoming weak. It also gives the foot a nice outer appearance. You can ask your ferrier to advise you on what to apply to keep the hoof in good condition.
Feed is important to a horses foot health. Low protein or an unbalanced diet will cause unhealthy horses and hooves. Supplements may be necessary to add to your horses diet. Some horses, when put on a diet with levels of biotin and methionine, will show improved hoof health. Biotin is a vitamin that promotes the health and growth of keratin and other connective tissue. Methionine is an emino acid that is essential for the growth of healthy hooves. Products high in zinc and copper also promote also helps the hoof remain healthy.
It is also important to remember that unless you are riding your horse frequently or in rough terrain, there is no need to have shoes put on. Many horse do just fine with no shoes at all, and in many cases horses that have had shoes on for long periods of time can take a break from them for a month just to rest the hoof.
A few other supplements for hoof care are Manganese, Selenium, Iodine, Lysine, Threonine and B vitamins. The hoof wall is like a humans fingernail, and it grows very slowly at a rate of about three-eights to one-half inch per month. It can take up to a year for healthy tissue to reach the bottom of the hoof, therefore any supplements may take weeks or months to show any results on the hoof.
If you have any questions on Horse supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com. Our home office is located in Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO, Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville AR, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX Texas.
