If you’ve ever held a horse while it is being shod, you’ve probably experienced the giant cloud of pungent smoke that develops when a farrier places a hot shoe against the sole of a horse’s hoof. But is this rather uncomfortable looking process necessary for your horse to have a good fit in his shoes?
When [...]
Cold Shoeing vs. Hot Shoeing
Therapeutic Horseshoeing
In recent years, the art of therapeutic and corrective shoeing has come a long way, and now many lame horses can be given new pain-free lives, and can even resume work. Depending on the situation, there are many types of shoes to help your horse – here are just a few:
Heart-Bar Shoes. These shoes circle [...]
Dealing with Club Foot in Horses
A club foot in horses is identified by a severely dished toe and a heel that is much too high. In severe cases, it looks almost as though the horse is standing on stilts. Club foot is thought to be a genetic problem, and is mostly seen in Arabian and Morgan horses. Although severe cases [...]
Picking Your Horse’s Feet
Regular cleaning and hoof picking is vital to the overall health of your horse’s feet. They should be picked out before and after every ride to prevent stone bruises and discomfort, and always carry a hoof pick with you on your rides in case your horse picks up an uncomfortable stone. For safe and easy [...]
Why is My Horse Throwing His Shoes?
A horse who continually turns up with a thrown shoe can be incredibly frustrating for the horse owner and the farrier. Not only is it expensive to constantly replace pulled shoes, but it also impacts on your ability to ride and exercise your horse. It may be easy to blame the farrier for lost shoes, [...]
Are Hoof Boots Right for My Horse?
Although they are becoming more commonplace, hoof boots are often not immediately thought of as a necessary item for your horse. And yet, they can easily save a lot of headaches and might even be a viable alternative to shoeing your horse!
Many horse owners who prefer to keep their horses barefoot find that using boots [...]
Puncture Wounds to the Hoof
Any time when the hoof structure is compromised, there is potential for a dangerous, even life-threatening, situation for your horse. Puncture wounds to the hoof are particularly devastating and require immediate attention. Most hoof punctures occur through the sole and are usually caused by nails, either during the shoeing process or picked up on the [...]
Standing for the Farrier
A horse that doesn’t stand quietly for the farrier is a danger both to himself and to those working around him. Try these steps to make your horse more comfortable during a farrier visit:
If your horse doesn’t like being separated from his buddies, try having a quiet horse close by that your horse can bond [...]
What to do When Your Horse Loses a Shoe
Having secure shoes is probably the most important thing for a horse. Riding a horse who is missing a shoe can lead to major health problems for the horse. There are many different circumstances under which a horse can lose his shoe. If you handle the situation properly you can dramatically improve your horse’s chances [...]