By Cynthia McFarland, courtesy Farnam
Without four good feet to stand on, your horse is in trouble. No matter how well bred, athletic or personable he may be, he’ll never reach his full potential if his feet can’t hold up.
While genetics do arguably play a role in equine soundness and foot quality, conscientious owners will also do everything they can to give their horses the best hoof care.
This means providing a complete and balanced nutrition program designed to meet the horse’s age, use and activity level, along with professional hoof maintenance that includes regular trimming, and, if necessary, shoeing.
It’s also important to use the right hoof care products at the right times, which depends greatly on where and how your horse lives.
“Environment plays a big role in both hoof condition and how quickly the feet grow. The horse’s feet will generally mirror the environment he’s in. If it’s a dry environment, the feet will usually be hard and rigid. If it’s a damp, muddy environment, the feet will usually be soft and overly pliable, which can lead to wall separation, excessive flaring and leave the sole susceptible to bruising,” notes Jason Maki, a certified journeyman farrier who works at the College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Teaching Hospital at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Maki has been a farrier since 1997 and has been at Texas A&M since 2008.
“Extremes in any direction usually aren’t good. If you have an extremely wet environment, you’ll want to provide a dry place so the horse can get out of the muddy footing,” says Maki. “If you have an extremely dry environment, you’ll want to provide a way to add moisture to the feet. Depending on what is needed, the right hoof care product can either provide a barrier against moisture, or add and help retain moisture in the feet.”
Visit your local tack and supply store, or do a little online shopping, and you’ll find a wide array of hoof care products available. Take Maki’s advice and consider your horse’s environment, along with overall hoof condition, when choosing a product. You should also ask your hoof care professional, as he/she is the perfect person to give input as to whether or not your horse needs a particular type of product.
Let’s say it’s the rainy season. Your horse has a nice, dry stall at night, but his turn-out area is a muddy mess, and the arena where you do most of your riding isn’t much better. Under these conditions, your horse’s feet can absorb too much moisture, which can seriously compromise hoof integrity, leaving feet soft and vulnerable.
“A product that will seal the outer hoof wall and build a barrier against excess moisture can be beneficial,” says Maki. “From a management point, you’ll also want to provide a dry place where the horse can stand out of the wet.”
What about the horse living in an arid climate that spends his days on hot, sandy soil? Those conditions often cause a horse to have hard, dry feet. Some horsemen use the old tactic of letting the water tank over flow just enough to dampen the surrounding ground. A more direct and thorough method is regular application of a good hoof dressing that is designed to add moisture and help the hoof retain it.
Many horses live in regions were the ground is dry, but the climate has significant humidity, and this presents another type of problem.
“When the ground is dry, but the air is high in humidity, you can get cracked and split hooves, but the feet are also at risk of infection,” cautions Maki. “Scheduled maintenance—either trimming or shoeing—will reduce excessive growth, thus minimizing cracking and flaring. You’ll want to use a hoof product that attracts and retains moisture, and also keep the feet clean to avoid infection.”
When using any hoof care product, read the complete label and always follow directions exactly, including frequency of use. Certain products, such as hoof hardeners or thrush treatments, contain ingredients that work extremely well when used properly, but can cause problems if applied incorrectly.
Some products are intended for routine use, while others are made to address a specific problem, such as thrush.
Before applying any hoof product, you want to start with clean, dry feet. Stand the horse on a dry surface with safe footing. Clean the hooves thoroughly, using a hoof pick and brush off any remaining dirt and debris. Then apply the hoof care product according to specific label directions.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.