Hoof Care

There are two styles of hoof care that people use, barefoot and shoes.  No matter which style you choose to use it is important that you find a farrier that knows how to trim or shoe based on the horses anatomy and current condition.  It is also important to keep on a regular schedule to keep your horse feet in top notch condition, it is recommended to have your horses feet done every 4 to 6 weeks.

Barefoot

Barefoot hoof care is exactly what it sounds like horses go barefoot, there is NO metal nailed or glued on to their feet. This style of hoof trimming is slightly different from a standard trim for shoeing.  A trim for shoeing requires that the horses foot is flat so a shoe can be fitted to it, while a barefoot trim simulates the wild horses foot.  The wild horse hoof has a rounded hoof walls (called a mustang roll),  arches in the quarters (similar to the arch in your foot), a lower heal based on each individual horse and hoof.  To learn about the benefits of barefoot horse care refer to Pete Ramey he has many wonderful and informative articles to read.

You may be asking yourself “I ride competitively or I put a lot of trail miles on my horse don’t I need shoes for their feet to hold up?”  The answer is “No.”  There are barefoot horses in many competitive disciplines from barrel racing to endurance riding.  However, going barefoot takes a little bit more commitment from you, you need to understand and be willing to allow your horse to gradually adapt to rougher terrain.  It is very similar to your own foot, if you took your shoes off right now would you be able to go running across gravel this very second?  No, but if you kept attempting to walk on it everyday for short periods of time eventually you will be able to walk on gravel without even noticing it.  If you choose to have your horse go barefoot and you want to ride on terrain that your horse is not quite ready for you can always put some boots on your horse. Some examples are Renegade boots or Easy boots.  However, if you don’t think that you can make this commitment you might want to stay with metal shoes.

Metal Shoes

Using metal shoes on a horses feet have been done for centuries and is still a popular choice. This may be the right choice for you if you don’t have the time or the ability to acclimate the barefoot hoof to rougher terrain.  No matter what type of hoof care you choose it is important to find a farrier that will come out on a regular basis and knows about balance and natural break overs.

 

 

Thrush

Thrush is a common bacterial problem that thrives in areas of the hoof that are anaerobic conditions (lacking oxygen) and moist.  Thrush usually occurs in along the side of the frog and at the central sulcus at the back of the frog. Thrush is usually identified by the foul smell and black tar like ooze.

Simple treatments and maintenance for thrush

If your hoof pick can be inserted into a crevice in the central sulcus of the frog you most likely have a bacterial or thrush problem and should be treated. A thrush problem in the frog can cause pain in your horses foot.

  • Pete’s Potion – (Created by Pete Ramey)

Used for severe cases of thrush and fungus.
50/50 mix of Athlete’s Foot Cream (1% Clortrimazole) and Triple Antibiotic Cream. Mix together and put in a long tipped syringe.
Squirt into the central sulcus and collateral grooves. This helps to open up and heal a deep infected center sulcus. Use daily or every other day as needed.
I will also squirt some in these areas before I put my horse’s hoof boots on before a ride. This will ensure a good treatment for a couple of hours or more. This mix makes a world of difference in a short period of time!

  • Apple Cider Vinegar Soak – Disinfectant

Dilution – 50/50 or 1 to 3 parts. Soak for 30 minutes.
ACV helps to restore the PH balance in the hoof. It helps to prevent thrush and fungus. For maintenance, spray in the central sulcus and collateral grooves after picking out.

  • Borax Soak (20 Mule Team) – Antifungal and Cleanser

Dilution – 2 Tablespoons per 1 Gallon of warm water or ½ Teaspoon per soaking boot of warm water. Soak for 30 minutes.
This helps to treat thrush and clean the hoof of dirt and debris. Should you have a separation between wall and white line, this helps to remove the impacted material. It also helps to dry out the hoof after the treatment.
I have used this up to 4 times a week. Once a week for maintenance.