Having used the HOOF-it Natural Flex Horseshoes on my horse for around 12 months including in the Snowy Mountains of Wyoming I decided to try them on the annual “Outlaw Trail Ride” across Wyoming to Thermopolis (www.rideoutlawtrail.com).
This year I was a group leader on the trail. HOOF-it kindly provided a set of shoes for the ride as a trial. This ride is quite demanding on both horses and riders so it is important for a horse, its equipment and its rider to be fully prepared and fit to avoid problems on the trail. The ride has a total length of 110 miles ridden over 7 days with 1 rest day. As a group leader the actual riding distance is longer as there is always something to be attended to that requires leaving the group temporarily. The country covered is particularly rugged with elevations of over 9000 feet in places. The ground is frequently very rocky putting a lot of reliance on good shoes and a good farrier to fit them. The ride has a supporting farrier, veterinarian, vet-techs and doctors so both riders and horses have help in the event of problems.
I had the shoes fitted by my farrier at my home in Cheyenne a few days before leaving for the ride. I had him put a full set of nails in as the only problems I had seen previously was the shoe distorting on the foot when heavily worn. With only 3 nails in each side this seems to be a minor problem which may not arise on normal ground. Riding in rough country can put enormous sideways pressure on both hooves and shoes.
The shoes worked well over the ride and I think the hooves benefit from maintaining their flexibility that is lost with steel shoes. Wear was about the same as with steel so I do not anticipate having to replace them earlier than the next scheduled farrier visit. Grip on rock slopes and when crossing rocky stream beds is good. The farrier and the vet pointed out that this is both a good thing and a bad thing. In the event of a horse having weak or sore joints the extra grip may cause aggravation of the condition. However for a fit horse the extra grip I think minimizes risk of injury caused by unsteady footing. I have no hesitation in recommending these shoes for trail or endurance riding on the basis of my experience with them. I think more of the OTR team will fit them next year. One rider did point out as the thunder started that the risk of lightning strike could be reduced – a feature I was not keen to test!
Information about horse care, hoof care, lameness, alternative plastic horseshoes and hoof care questions.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Tevis with HOOF-it Pour-in Pads
Each year we caravan with friends up to Robie Park on Thursday to prepare for the beginning of Tevis. Our group gathers in the overflow parking lot to allow for plenty of room and less commotion. It also has a gravel base, so we aren't covered in dust before the ride even starts.
This year, after vetting through on Friday, we returned to camp to prepare the horses feet. Which meant pouring HOOF-it into the hoofs of five horses. Piper was ridden by Brenda Benkley, Blues was ridden by Karen Bottiani, Smokey was ridden by Jamie Fend, Annie was ridden by Gary Fend, and Don was ridden by Nick Warhol.
This was the first Tevis for Piper, Annie and Don. Smokey and Blues were going for their 5th and 6th completions respectively.
After 5 or 6 years of using HOOF-it for these rocky rides, we have come up with a great system. Gary cleans the hoof thoroughly (especially under the lip of the shoe). Karen rips up duct tape...a piece for a dam wall at the heel of the hoof and 3 pieces fit together to cover the sole. I am in charge of mixing the powder and liquid at just the right ratio and just the right time. As Gary finishes cleaning the hoof, the mixture should be reaching a thickness that allows for easy pouring, yet not too far from setting (so the poor hoof holder doesn't have to stand hunched over forever).
Once the mixture sets to a fairly solid state, I cover it up with the duct tape and we move on to the next hoof. This keeps all the little rocks and/or hay from sticking to the still tacky HOOF-it.
This year, since we had 5 horses to cover, Nick took over the hoof cleaning and holding for half of the hooves.
The Tevis Trail is one of the rockiest and toughest trails I know, so hoof protection is a must. Out of the five horses that we had starting, 4 of them completed The Tevis. And all 4 of them had all of their HOOF-it in their feet at the end of the ride!
Since our horses live in a 100 acre pasture, padding isn't a great option. Plus, they don't usually need pads. HOOF-it is exactly what we need for the occasional really rocky ride. We use it at 3 or 4 rides each year, and have never been disappointed.
The first year we tried it, we discovered (the hard way) that you shouldn't leave the ingredients out in the sun. The mixture turned to a very thick clay as soon as the ingredients were combined. I kind of pushed the clay into the hoof with my fingers. Most of it stayed in for the ride, but it definitely wasn't the right way to do it! We now make sure that it is kept inside the trailer, in the shade.
I couldn't be happier with this product. It gives us such peace of mind when we're asking the horses to trot on down a tough road mile after mile.
Thanks.
Laura
This year, after vetting through on Friday, we returned to camp to prepare the horses feet. Which meant pouring HOOF-it into the hoofs of five horses. Piper was ridden by Brenda Benkley, Blues was ridden by Karen Bottiani, Smokey was ridden by Jamie Fend, Annie was ridden by Gary Fend, and Don was ridden by Nick Warhol.
This was the first Tevis for Piper, Annie and Don. Smokey and Blues were going for their 5th and 6th completions respectively.
After 5 or 6 years of using HOOF-it for these rocky rides, we have come up with a great system. Gary cleans the hoof thoroughly (especially under the lip of the shoe). Karen rips up duct tape...a piece for a dam wall at the heel of the hoof and 3 pieces fit together to cover the sole. I am in charge of mixing the powder and liquid at just the right ratio and just the right time. As Gary finishes cleaning the hoof, the mixture should be reaching a thickness that allows for easy pouring, yet not too far from setting (so the poor hoof holder doesn't have to stand hunched over forever).
Once the mixture sets to a fairly solid state, I cover it up with the duct tape and we move on to the next hoof. This keeps all the little rocks and/or hay from sticking to the still tacky HOOF-it.
This year, since we had 5 horses to cover, Nick took over the hoof cleaning and holding for half of the hooves.
The Tevis Trail is one of the rockiest and toughest trails I know, so hoof protection is a must. Out of the five horses that we had starting, 4 of them completed The Tevis. And all 4 of them had all of their HOOF-it in their feet at the end of the ride!
Since our horses live in a 100 acre pasture, padding isn't a great option. Plus, they don't usually need pads. HOOF-it is exactly what we need for the occasional really rocky ride. We use it at 3 or 4 rides each year, and have never been disappointed.
The first year we tried it, we discovered (the hard way) that you shouldn't leave the ingredients out in the sun. The mixture turned to a very thick clay as soon as the ingredients were combined. I kind of pushed the clay into the hoof with my fingers. Most of it stayed in for the ride, but it definitely wasn't the right way to do it! We now make sure that it is kept inside the trailer, in the shade.
I couldn't be happier with this product. It gives us such peace of mind when we're asking the horses to trot on down a tough road mile after mile.
Thanks.
Laura
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Navicular Treatment - Part Two
Many hoses improve dramatically with good trimmer and / or shoeing. Each horse should be trimmed according to its own particular confirmation to allow the proper hoof angle. Some horses require hyper specific angles in each hoof to prevent long-term mechanical problems. Farriers will often square or roll the toes to ease break-over in stride. Corrective shoeing aligns the hoof-pastern axis to establish sound lateral to medial balance in the leg. Egg bar shoes are typically used to achieve good heel support. Recently, composite shoes have become a popular shoeing alternative for rehab in the Navicular horse. Composite shoes offer excellent overall freedom of movement, which allows the natural mechanics of the foot to work correctly again. Consult with your farrier about these shoeing options.
In most scales the above treatments allows the horse with Navicular syndrome to live comfortably and return to a certain level of function. If therapy does not help, a neurectomy can be performed as a last result. Neurectomy is a drastic treatment in which the nerves to the Navicular area are cut to deaden the foot. Owners should know that this treatment is not without short and long term complications. These can be undetected foot abscesses, nail punctures, painful nodules on the cut nerve (neuromas), and even tendon rupture. There is also the tendency of the horse stumbling often because it cannot tell exactly where its feet are. Needless to say, this is not a solution for a performance horse.
For further information on Navicular syndrome contact you farrier and equine veterinarian.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Navicular Treatment - Part One
Because there are several causes of Navicular syndrome, and some, which are still unknown, one treatment will not be effective in all cases. IT is critical to speak with you veterinarian and farrier about all the possible options for treatment. Generally, Navicular syndrome cannot be cured or reversed, but it can be successfully managed. Treatment goals are to reduce inflammation, remove pain from the soft tissue, increase pliability, increase blood supply, and align the hoof-pastern axis to improve the gait of the horse. This is accomplished with specific drugs, corrective shoeing, and controlled exercise.
Bute is the most commonly used drug for not only Navicular syndrome, but any common symptoms of lameness in the horse. Bute reduces pain and inflammation, and is therefore effective in the short term. However, if a horse with Navicular syndrome is treated with bute only, and no other treatment measures are taken, the horse will be ruined.
Injection with corticosteroid is also a common treatment. This is not a cure since steroids only reduce inflammation and pain and do nothing to correct the underlying pathology. As with bute, when used alone, steroids will lead to further harm.
Increasing the circulation to the Navicular area is often effective in reducing the symptoms. Isoxsuprine hydrochloride, a drug that dilated the small blood vessels, is the most commonly used. This is a long-term course of the drug therapy, which can get expensive and time consuming. The anticoagulant warfarin is also used to increase local circulation. The horse must be watched carefully for the onset of bleeding problems since the drug reduces clotting in the entire body.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Three-time U. S. National Champion Arabian horse trainer, Cari Thompson, uses HOOF-it products to keep her horses sound and on top of their game.
Hello out there,
My name is Cari Thompson of Cari Thompson Training in Gardnerville, Nevada.
I have been using the HOOF-it acrylic product and the HOOF-it composite horseshoes on my Arabian show horses during training for about 5 years now. The composite horseshoes help relieve sore hooves as well as supporting bad hoof walls and contracted heels. They are also great to help support suspensory ligament damage and lay-ups and can even be used with toe weights to achieve better motion.
Because of the HOOF-it products, I have been able to keep my show horses going well when they perform in the show ring. In fact, I am happy to say that I was fortunate enough to take 2 of the Arabian show horses that have been in training in my barn to Championship wins in both the Open Arabian Hunter Pleasure and the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse classes at the U. S. Arabian National Horse Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in October of 2005. That was quite a thrill!
I want to personally thank HOOF-it Technologies for the wonderful products they provide and for all the help they have given me and my horses. We just couldn't do it without you!
Sincerely,
Cari Thompson
My name is Cari Thompson of Cari Thompson Training in Gardnerville, Nevada.
I have been using the HOOF-it acrylic product and the HOOF-it composite horseshoes on my Arabian show horses during training for about 5 years now. The composite horseshoes help relieve sore hooves as well as supporting bad hoof walls and contracted heels. They are also great to help support suspensory ligament damage and lay-ups and can even be used with toe weights to achieve better motion.
Because of the HOOF-it products, I have been able to keep my show horses going well when they perform in the show ring. In fact, I am happy to say that I was fortunate enough to take 2 of the Arabian show horses that have been in training in my barn to Championship wins in both the Open Arabian Hunter Pleasure and the Half-Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse classes at the U. S. Arabian National Horse Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in October of 2005. That was quite a thrill!
I want to personally thank HOOF-it Technologies for the wonderful products they provide and for all the help they have given me and my horses. We just couldn't do it without you!
Sincerely,
Cari Thompson
Friday, April 21, 2006
Barefoot vs. Shoeing Your Horse
A common debate in the horse world these days is whether or not to shoe your horse. Of course this can only be answered by knowing what you are requiring of your horse and the current condition of its feet. A horse that is retired and spending his days on pasture has different needs than a competition cutting horse. Other than an occasional hoof trim the pasture horse should be fine going barefoot.
The question becomes more complicated when the level of your horse’s activity is raised. One thing that I have noticed is that you rarely see a non-working horse come up lame. I believe that a big part of this is that when we ride we are placing unnatural stresses on the hoof. While it is true that wild horses live out their lives unshod, it is also true that natural selection takes the horses that have weak feet. In addition, the restrictions we place on the horse’s movement in various disciplines are issues which the wild or pasture horse does not have to deal with.
For example, when we ride we control the headset of our horse for appearance more often than for function (i.e. pleasure classes), our horses also constantly have to compensate for the weight of the rider above them, which compromises their balance. We also ask them to move in ways that generally affect their overall carriage and hoof placement.
Finally, working horses are first and foremost athletes, subject to the same types of injuries as their human counterparts. In the wild, a horse moves freely without a lot of repetitive motion. The working horse is asked to repeat gaits over and over again causing the hoof to strike the same way. In humans, runners in particular, this is called Repetitive Motion Injury.
I feel that this sort of disciplined movement is the cause of most hoof problems. I have found that a happy medium between steel shoes and barefoot to be the composite shoe. In a composite plastic horseshoe or a hybrid plastic horseshoe you get the benefits of support and shock absorption, while retaining the flexibility and the circulation of going barefoot.
The question becomes more complicated when the level of your horse’s activity is raised. One thing that I have noticed is that you rarely see a non-working horse come up lame. I believe that a big part of this is that when we ride we are placing unnatural stresses on the hoof. While it is true that wild horses live out their lives unshod, it is also true that natural selection takes the horses that have weak feet. In addition, the restrictions we place on the horse’s movement in various disciplines are issues which the wild or pasture horse does not have to deal with.
For example, when we ride we control the headset of our horse for appearance more often than for function (i.e. pleasure classes), our horses also constantly have to compensate for the weight of the rider above them, which compromises their balance. We also ask them to move in ways that generally affect their overall carriage and hoof placement.
Finally, working horses are first and foremost athletes, subject to the same types of injuries as their human counterparts. In the wild, a horse moves freely without a lot of repetitive motion. The working horse is asked to repeat gaits over and over again causing the hoof to strike the same way. In humans, runners in particular, this is called Repetitive Motion Injury.
I feel that this sort of disciplined movement is the cause of most hoof problems. I have found that a happy medium between steel shoes and barefoot to be the composite shoe. In a composite plastic horseshoe or a hybrid plastic horseshoe you get the benefits of support and shock absorption, while retaining the flexibility and the circulation of going barefoot.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Horseshoes Past & Present
Horseshoes Past & Present
Past Present
A horseshoe needs to be kept firmly in place, and the most widely used means of achieving this is to use nails. The Celts, who were skilled ironworkers, discovered that it was possible to secure shoes on a horse's foot by driving nails into the insensitive area of the hoof.
In the Middle East and around the Mediterranean, the hard-hooved Arab horses needed less protection than the average horse in that they were able to withstand being barefoot. The Romans used a form of iron sandal resembling thongs; the Greeks preferred a sandal made from woven grass. Neither of these sandals could have been intended for regular use as it would have been difficult to prevent the foot from slipping or collecting grit between shoe and sole. They were definately a form of remedial shoeing.
In Britain it was the nailed shoe that continued to be generally used throughout the centuries. Usually it was made of plain iron and, later, fullered or grooved steel became the accepted material for shoes. Clips to ensure a more secured fit became a regular part of shoe design about one hundred years ago.
Horseshoes today may vary in design and material in that anything from steel to high- tech composites can aide in reducing strain to ligaments and tendons caused by poor conformation. They can also minimize the effect of an injury and aid to the healing processes by protecting or padding sensitive areas.
Past Present
A horseshoe needs to be kept firmly in place, and the most widely used means of achieving this is to use nails. The Celts, who were skilled ironworkers, discovered that it was possible to secure shoes on a horse's foot by driving nails into the insensitive area of the hoof.
In the Middle East and around the Mediterranean, the hard-hooved Arab horses needed less protection than the average horse in that they were able to withstand being barefoot. The Romans used a form of iron sandal resembling thongs; the Greeks preferred a sandal made from woven grass. Neither of these sandals could have been intended for regular use as it would have been difficult to prevent the foot from slipping or collecting grit between shoe and sole. They were definately a form of remedial shoeing.
In Britain it was the nailed shoe that continued to be generally used throughout the centuries. Usually it was made of plain iron and, later, fullered or grooved steel became the accepted material for shoes. Clips to ensure a more secured fit became a regular part of shoe design about one hundred years ago.
Horseshoes today may vary in design and material in that anything from steel to high- tech composites can aide in reducing strain to ligaments and tendons caused by poor conformation. They can also minimize the effect of an injury and aid to the healing processes by protecting or padding sensitive areas.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
80% of horses will go lame each year!
According to the US government servey, 80% of horses will go lame each year. The average “downtime” is 23 days.
Temp-A-Sure is the only Equine lameness indicator on the planet. Don’t worry and wonder, get answers easily and fast.
Old Way: Feel horse’s hooves with your hand to see whether there is any heat present.
NEW Way: Apply temp-a-sure strips and easily read the temp of 4 locations on each hoof. Temp-A-Sure is accurate to within ½ degree.
Why would I want to know the temp of a horses hoof? Horse’s hooves change temp in response to many of the common causes of lameness. Monitoring the temp changes and differences between hooves and even differences in different areas of the horse’s owner located and monitor problems and will help a vet or farrier treat the horse more effectively.
Monitor hoof temperature to monitor equine lameness. Temp-A-Sure is a revolutionary new product that provides a very quick and easy way to continually monitor changes in hoof temperature. Abscesses, stone bruises, founder, laminitis and injury are the most common reason for equine lameness. All of these conditions cause changes in the hoof temperature that can be quickly and accurately monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Temp-A-Sure, accurate to within ½ degree.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Driving Horses & Plastic Horseshoes
As a trainer and driver of carriage and draft horses I felt very fortunate to find and use the composite horseshoes put out by HOOF-it Technologies. We train approximately twenty driving horses a year here at Winter Hill Driving Center in the mountains of Florida with the biggest demand being for CDE horses and ponies. As you can imagine there is a great deal of twisting and turning and a lot of road miles (up to 15 miles per day) to get in condition for these events. We have one set (four shoes) which is on it's fourth reset and that's on my Purcheron, Lexie, who trains every horse that comes in. We go eight weeks on reset for her and outside of replacing a nail or two we've never lost a shoe. As a hitch driver from 1971 on, I was probably the most skeptical of these products then anyone until a client's horse, another Pucheron, Ben, came in for training. After that it was love! So if you have any questions feel free to stop by our training center in sunny Florida if you want to see some great driving horses and HOOF-it Natural Flex plastic horseshoes.
Bob Giles Winter Hill Driving Center, Morriston, Florida http://winterhilldrivingcenter.com/
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Winter Hoof Care
Winter is the time when a lot of horse owners choose to pull their horse’s shoes and let the hoof regenerate. Pulling the shoes and leaving your horse barefoot enhances the overall health of the feet. Hooves tend to grow more slowly in the winter months. However, the unshod feet should be trimmed regularly, 4 to 6 week intervals, with an emphasis on keeping the edge of the hoof sufficiently rounded. The hooves should also be painted twice a week with an appropriate hoof dressing. A little extra care and attention during the winter months when your horse is barefoot will result in a stronger healthier foot the rest of the year. However, there are more than a few of us who ride and compete in the winter months and pulling shoes is just not ever going to be an option. If you are like me and live in a snow filled winter environment you know that training outdoors, and trail riding, can cause problems for your horses feet. The main issue that I have to deal with when I am riding in the snow is “snow-balling”. This is when mixtures of snow, ice, mud, manure, grass, or bedding accumulate in the sole area. It can pack very densely into large rounded ice mounds that are almost impossible to chip out. When a horse is forced to stand or move on snowballs he has decreased stability in his fetlock joint. His weight is liable to roll medially, laterally, forward, or backward. It is extremely fatiguing for his muscles, tendons, and joint ligaments as he constantly tries to make adjustments to maintain balance. It is easy for a snowballed horse to lose his balance and wrench a fetlock. I have found a product that works perfectly for my horse, and is very easy for me to apply by myself. I use the Hoof-it Winter Snow Pad to keep my horse’s hooves clear of debris in the winter. With this pad in place I have full confidence in my horse’s footing while training outdoors in the snow, or trail riding. Let me know if you have tried Hoof-it Snow Pads and how they have worked for you.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Quick-Pad - Sole / Frog Pad Support
Dear HOOF-it:
The quick pad works great. I used it like the instructions said and it provides a great pad for the frog of my foundered mare. It is helping her become sound again.
This is a much better alternative than expensive tubes some farriers use. These are good for the horse owner who has one horse that needs the pads.
I do have some comments, and that is that one has to use it really fast or it sets up in the tips. I have had to use a few mixing tips per tube before I got the hang of it. I had good luck with the first hoof, but the second seems to set up somewhere at the opening and a bit drips out when I squirt it in.
Pattie
The quick pad works great. I used it like the instructions said and it provides a great pad for the frog of my foundered mare. It is helping her become sound again.
This is a much better alternative than expensive tubes some farriers use. These are good for the horse owner who has one horse that needs the pads.
I do have some comments, and that is that one has to use it really fast or it sets up in the tips. I have had to use a few mixing tips per tube before I got the hang of it. I had good luck with the first hoof, but the second seems to set up somewhere at the opening and a bit drips out when I squirt it in.
Pattie
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Hoof Care & Farriers
The horse’s foot is completely surrounded by a substance similar to your fingernail to protect it against having to sustain the wear and tear of having to carry one quarter of your horse’s weight over the varying terrain you may be riding him over. A horse’s foot consists of an outer layer of horn (hoof), inside which is contained the pedal and navicular bones, and the deep digital flexor tendon which is attached to the pedal bone. The foot also contains the digital pad, lateral cartilages, coronopedal joint, blood vessels, and nerves. The foot as a whole absorbs concussion and by its continuous growth, it is able to replace its striking surface which is lost through everyday wear and tear. As a horse owner, you can help assist your horse in this latter process by choosing the right farrier for your particular horse’s needs.
Farriery is one of the most vital of all the professions connected to the horse. If there were no farriers, the entire horse world would just about come to a stop; except for a few fortunate individuals lucky enough to be able to ride always and exclusively on grass, or in an arena completely void of rocks. Even these folks would find it difficult to keep their mounts sound and true if there were no one to trim, shape, and generally care for their pony’s feet.
The best way that I have found to increase my own knowledge of my horse’s feet is to watch my farrier shoe my horses. It will also be to your advantage to pay attention, and actively participate when your farrier comes out. Here are a few things that I always try to do to help out to make the whole process easier.
I always let my farrier know in advance if I am going to have any special shoeing needs, or if I have a youngster that is going to be shod for the first time. Horses being shod for the first time should be used to having their feet picked out and be familiar with having the wall and sole of their foot tapped.
You should ALWAYS present your horses for shoeing with clean, dry feet and legs. And always provide the farrier with a well lit area, and dry solid footing; undercover if possible.
The first time the farrier shoes your horse, let him know how your horse is going and what discipline you use him for: trail, cutting, endurance etc. Assuming the horse is already shod, he will look at the wear of the shoes and the growth of the hoof to determine wear and growth patterns. With your help, the farrier will then determine whether your horse has any problems such as overreaching, stumbling, dragging its toes etc. If such problems are discovered, your farrier will discuss alternative shoeing solutions with you.
The above ideas will help you and your farrier develop a relationship that will benefit you both, and more importantly, benefit your horse.
Farriery is one of the most vital of all the professions connected to the horse. If there were no farriers, the entire horse world would just about come to a stop; except for a few fortunate individuals lucky enough to be able to ride always and exclusively on grass, or in an arena completely void of rocks. Even these folks would find it difficult to keep their mounts sound and true if there were no one to trim, shape, and generally care for their pony’s feet.
The best way that I have found to increase my own knowledge of my horse’s feet is to watch my farrier shoe my horses. It will also be to your advantage to pay attention, and actively participate when your farrier comes out. Here are a few things that I always try to do to help out to make the whole process easier.
I always let my farrier know in advance if I am going to have any special shoeing needs, or if I have a youngster that is going to be shod for the first time. Horses being shod for the first time should be used to having their feet picked out and be familiar with having the wall and sole of their foot tapped.
You should ALWAYS present your horses for shoeing with clean, dry feet and legs. And always provide the farrier with a well lit area, and dry solid footing; undercover if possible.
The first time the farrier shoes your horse, let him know how your horse is going and what discipline you use him for: trail, cutting, endurance etc. Assuming the horse is already shod, he will look at the wear of the shoes and the growth of the hoof to determine wear and growth patterns. With your help, the farrier will then determine whether your horse has any problems such as overreaching, stumbling, dragging its toes etc. If such problems are discovered, your farrier will discuss alternative shoeing solutions with you.
The above ideas will help you and your farrier develop a relationship that will benefit you both, and more importantly, benefit your horse.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Q&A Tendon Ice Boots
Q: Are your Ice Horse cold therapy tendon boots long enough for a large warmblood's hind legs? Also, am I correct to assume that one would have to store these boots in the freezer prior to use? If yes, how long do the cold packs remain cold when put out at room temperature (say approximately 75 degrees F)?
A: There's nothing available in the traditional horse wrap market that I know of that's long enough to cover the hind leg of a warmblood from the base of the hock to the top of the fetlock. You could get an extra large ice therapy sheet (I found them once at Costco) and apply it with a standing wrap bandage if you need to cover the entire length. I use the ICE HORSE tendon wraps regularly on a warmblood that has some issues right above the suspensory branch on the left hind. They work great for him. I also use the hock ice wrap when I ice his hind legs. Although sometimes I toss the whole wrap in the freezer, I usually keep only the 2 ice inserts in the freezer and pull them out just before putting them into the wrap and applying them to the horse. The ice inserts that come with the wrap are designed not to be stiff when frozen so they mold to the leg without pressure points. (regular ice therapy sheets are stiff when frozen) When I need to use them on a horse that is located away from an available freezer, I keep them in a portable ice chest until I apply them to the horse to get the full benefit. If I need to use them again later, I put them back in the freezer or ice chest to refreeze which takes about an hour.
A: There's nothing available in the traditional horse wrap market that I know of that's long enough to cover the hind leg of a warmblood from the base of the hock to the top of the fetlock. You could get an extra large ice therapy sheet (I found them once at Costco) and apply it with a standing wrap bandage if you need to cover the entire length. I use the ICE HORSE tendon wraps regularly on a warmblood that has some issues right above the suspensory branch on the left hind. They work great for him. I also use the hock ice wrap when I ice his hind legs. Although sometimes I toss the whole wrap in the freezer, I usually keep only the 2 ice inserts in the freezer and pull them out just before putting them into the wrap and applying them to the horse. The ice inserts that come with the wrap are designed not to be stiff when frozen so they mold to the leg without pressure points. (regular ice therapy sheets are stiff when frozen) When I need to use them on a horse that is located away from an available freezer, I keep them in a portable ice chest until I apply them to the horse to get the full benefit. If I need to use them again later, I put them back in the freezer or ice chest to refreeze which takes about an hour.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Laminitis III
Treatment:
Therapy is based on-
1. controlling pain
2. restoring blood circulation
3. stabilizing the coffin bone
Prognosis:
Keep in mind that prevention is always better then the cure. Mild cases will often get better quickly with rapid treatment and the right management. The problem is that many will recur unless very strict preventative maintenance is carried out. More sever cases will respond well to foot trimming and careful shoeing but can take many months to fully recover. The very worst cases are unlikely to be able to return to regular work.
For more valuable information on laminitis take a look at HOOF-it’s NEW educational line of books.Friday, January 27, 2006
Laminitis II
What can cause laminitis?
- Overfeeding of any sort, especially grain
- Over-weight animals
- Illness - particularly digestive disorders, possibly after sever colic and other conditions such as liver disease.
- Mares that have recently foaled and retain their placenta. They will develop infection and consequently laminitis.
- Sever lameness in one leg from other causes resulting in excessive weight bearing in the remaining limbs and possibly, subsequent laminitis.
- Irregular or incorrect trimming of the feet and bad shoeing. Feet which are untrimmed are more prone to laminitis.
- Trauma to the feet due to excessive concussion from too much work on the hard ground causing laminar tearing.
- Drug Treatment side affects can result in laminitis.
- Hormonal problems, in particular those associated with an overactive pituitary gland in old ponies can result in laminitis.
- Stress of any sort.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Laminitis I
What is laminitis?
The word laminitis means inflammation of the laminae.
Laminitis is a common disease which affects a horses whole body and show up as a painful feet.
Types of laminitis:
Subacute laminitis is the mildest form where some signs are present, but they are not as severe as the acute case. Cases will most likely clear up without permanent damage to the feet.
Acute laminitis is the early stage of laminitis when the horse is uncomfortable and showing lameness, but major changes have not yet happened. It is an emergency and proper treatment needs to be started at once to prevent damage.
Chronic laminitis occurs when the coffin bone has rotated or sunk or if the condition has been going on for more the 48 hrs.
Founder is an American term used to describe a more severe case of laminitis where the laminae is tearing and the coffin bone is unstable and dropping.
Sinkers are the most severe laminitis cases where the laminar bond has been destroyed right around the foot, so that the whole pedal bone is loose within the foot. The pedal bone will drop and it can literally sink through the sole of the foot.
Types of laminitis:
Subacute laminitis is the mildest form where some signs are present, but they are not as severe as the acute case. Cases will most likely clear up without permanent damage to the feet.
Acute laminitis is the early stage of laminitis when the horse is uncomfortable and showing lameness, but major changes have not yet happened. It is an emergency and proper treatment needs to be started at once to prevent damage.
Chronic laminitis occurs when the coffin bone has rotated or sunk or if the condition has been going on for more the 48 hrs.
Founder is an American term used to describe a more severe case of laminitis where the laminae is tearing and the coffin bone is unstable and dropping.
Sinkers are the most severe laminitis cases where the laminar bond has been destroyed right around the foot, so that the whole pedal bone is loose within the foot. The pedal bone will drop and it can literally sink through the sole of the foot.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Equine Hoof Care
Hoof care is the most important aspect of horse ownership. The first time horse owner usually does not understand the complexity of the hoof, even most experienced horse owners don’t. The easiest place to start your introduction to hoof care is to ask yourself just exactly what you are going to expect of your horse, and then set out to try and find an animal that will suit your needs. Don’t buy a draft horse to play polo. Don’t purchase an Arabian and try to cut cows with him. No matter what you and your prospective equine partner are going to do, the best thing that you can do is always place conformation over love at first sight; even though this is sometimes hard to do.
Always strive to find a horse with straight legs and good bone structure. Remember, the better you start with the better chance that you will have to enjoy a long relationship with your horse. If possible, check out his sire and dam, or if possible any siblings that might be in the area. Keep this in mind, just because a horse is a pure bred it does not mean that he will be sound. Whether you are looking for a potential futurity winner or a trail buddy, soundness of the feet is the bottom line.
A pre-purchase veterinarian check is a must, whether the horse is going to cost $500 or $500,000. If you can have a friend who is experienced with horses be there to lend a keen eye. Most importantly, to me at least, is to have a farrier present at your vet check. Often, farriers will see things that the vet will not. Farriers look at feet in a different fashion than a vet, based on their work, and experience.
Also, do not fall in love too soon. All horses cannot be great athletes. In spite of what we may think, owning him does not make him a world beater. However, treat him like an athlete. Warm him up properly, feed a high quality ration, and keep him fit, not fat. The better that you treat him the better you will both work together.
If everything is going along fine, but you begin to become suspicious that something may be wrong with his feet, you should look for an on again, off again, lameness in the beginning. Look for a choppy or uneven gait, a shortened stride, and a lessening of his willingness to work. If you notice any of the above traits, check the feet for an obvious trauma, such as a wire cut. You can also check for swelling and inflammation. However, it is always going to be the best practice to call your farrier out to take a look. Usually your farrier can make the proper corrections to get your pony back on the right track. If the problem is severe your farrier will refer you and your horse to your vet for medical attention.
With a little care at the purchase of your horse, and a watchful eye during your partnership, your pony should have a minimum of hoof problems during his life.
Always strive to find a horse with straight legs and good bone structure. Remember, the better you start with the better chance that you will have to enjoy a long relationship with your horse. If possible, check out his sire and dam, or if possible any siblings that might be in the area. Keep this in mind, just because a horse is a pure bred it does not mean that he will be sound. Whether you are looking for a potential futurity winner or a trail buddy, soundness of the feet is the bottom line.
A pre-purchase veterinarian check is a must, whether the horse is going to cost $500 or $500,000. If you can have a friend who is experienced with horses be there to lend a keen eye. Most importantly, to me at least, is to have a farrier present at your vet check. Often, farriers will see things that the vet will not. Farriers look at feet in a different fashion than a vet, based on their work, and experience.
Also, do not fall in love too soon. All horses cannot be great athletes. In spite of what we may think, owning him does not make him a world beater. However, treat him like an athlete. Warm him up properly, feed a high quality ration, and keep him fit, not fat. The better that you treat him the better you will both work together.
If everything is going along fine, but you begin to become suspicious that something may be wrong with his feet, you should look for an on again, off again, lameness in the beginning. Look for a choppy or uneven gait, a shortened stride, and a lessening of his willingness to work. If you notice any of the above traits, check the feet for an obvious trauma, such as a wire cut. You can also check for swelling and inflammation. However, it is always going to be the best practice to call your farrier out to take a look. Usually your farrier can make the proper corrections to get your pony back on the right track. If the problem is severe your farrier will refer you and your horse to your vet for medical attention.
With a little care at the purchase of your horse, and a watchful eye during your partnership, your pony should have a minimum of hoof problems during his life.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
About one and a half years ago I was showing in northern California when I realized my yearling mare was off on her front left foot. When I brought her home I called my Vet. He took x-rays and when the results came back, he told me she had foundered and had ten degrees of rotation in both front feet. I was extremely upset, because I was so careful with her feeding and training program. I called my horseshoer and told him what had happened and he came over right away. He immediately put on these plastic shoes with a liquid substance poured onto the sole of the feet called Hoof-It to create a pad. As soon has he finished she was walking a better. After a three month period I called my Vet to have another x-ray taken. He called me and told me that her foot was getting better. He also said to keep using the Hoof-It product because it was healing the foot better and faster than he had ever seen.
Well it has been over a year now and she is walking and running normally during her turn out time. I asked my shoer if and when I could start working with her and if he thought I might be able to show her again. He gave me the go ahead about 3 weeks ago. I started working with her slowly. To make a long story short, I went to the 60th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show last week and I ended up Circuit Champion and Reserve Champion In my Division. This truly is a dream come true as I did not know if I was ever going to be able to show my mare again. I know for a fact that it was the Hoof-It Product that enabled my mares hoof to heal and grow so she could walk normal again. Thank You HOOF-it your products saved my Mares Life!!!!!!!!
Peggy Sibley,
Campo, California
Saturday, January 07, 2006
BWFA Journeyman Farrier Tips
I am a full-time farrier in Maryland and shoe all types of horses doing anything from dressage to steeple-chasing.
I have used the Hippoplast shoes for six months now and am extremely pleased (as are the horses!).
They (so far) stay on better (they actually mold to the hoof over time) and longer than any other shoe I have ever used and seem to offer more comfort to most horses than any other shoe.
I have the most success when I fill the shoe cavity in with dental impression material and anti-bacterial granules from Eponashoe. With thin-soled horses, the interior of the shoe can "pinch" the sole without the "putty" protecting it.
Also, using e-head nails seems to be best.
I would love to see a more round (as opposed to oval) design included in your hippoplast standard product line (ie. a front and a hind pattern instead of a compromise).
Thank you very much for your time!
Jonathan Fell, BWFA Journeyman Farrier
I have used the Hippoplast shoes for six months now and am extremely pleased (as are the horses!).
They (so far) stay on better (they actually mold to the hoof over time) and longer than any other shoe I have ever used and seem to offer more comfort to most horses than any other shoe.
I have the most success when I fill the shoe cavity in with dental impression material and anti-bacterial granules from Eponashoe. With thin-soled horses, the interior of the shoe can "pinch" the sole without the "putty" protecting it.
Also, using e-head nails seems to be best.
I would love to see a more round (as opposed to oval) design included in your hippoplast standard product line (ie. a front and a hind pattern instead of a compromise).
Thank you very much for your time!
Jonathan Fell, BWFA Journeyman Farrier
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Winter Snow Pads
Winter is the time when a lot of horse owners choose to pull their horse’s shoes and let the hoof regenerate. Pulling the shoes and leaving your horse barefoot enhances the overall health of the feet. Hooves tend to grow more slowly in the winter months. However, the unshod feet should be trimmed regularly, 4 to 6 week intervals, with an emphasis on keeping the edge of the hoof sufficiently rounded. The hooves should also be painted twice a week with an appropriate hoof dressing. A little extra care and attention during the winter months when your horse is barefoot will result in a stronger healthier foot the rest of the year. However, there are more than a few of us who ride and compete in the winter months and pulling shoes is just not ever going to be an option. If you are like me and live in a snow filled winter environment you know that training outdoors, and trail riding, can cause problems for your horses feet. The main issue that I have to deal with when I am riding in the snow is “snow-balling”. This is when mixtures of snow, ice, mud, manure, grass, or bedding accumulate in the sole area. It can pack very densely into large rounded ice mounds that are almost impossible to chip out. When a horse is forced to stand or move on snowballs he has decreased stability in his fetlock joint. His weight is liable to roll medially, laterally, forward, or backward. It is extremely fatiguing for his muscles, tendons, and joint ligaments as he constantly tries to make adjustments to maintain balance. It is easy for a snowballed horse to lose his balance and wrench a fetlock. I have found a product that works perfectly for my horse, and is very easy for me to apply by myself. I use the Hoof-it Winter Snow Pad to keep my horse’s hooves clear of debris in the winter. With this pad in place I have full confidence in my horse’s footing while training outdoors in the snow, or trail riding. Let me know if you have tried Hoof-it Snow Pads and how they have worked for you.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Shoeing the Performance Horse
No matter what kind of performance horse you might happen to have, cutting, reining, roping, or pleasure, one thing is a constant fact: your horse must be in balance with his body to perform at his optimal level. It is your farrier’s job to trim and shoe your horse to allow for optimal balance.
I have been lucky with my reining cow horse, Smoke ‘em. He has never needed any corrective shoeing. I simply have my farrier trim him flat and level based on the conformation of each of his legs. I have his feet trimmed short to ensure that he moves naturally. Horses with toes that are too long or heels that are too high do not stride naturally and do not look pretty to the judges. Eventually, excessively long feet cause problems that may require correction and even rehabilitation down the road. You can compare this problem to the human athlete. If a runner wore shoes one size too small, or too large, for even one training session he would feel a lot more stress and strain in the legs than with shoes which fit properly. The same is true for your horse.
The most important factor in the shoeing of your performance horse is to have him land level on the ground, You can notice this by observing your horse move at a walk. View him from the front and from the side. Does the inside or the outside of the shoe hit the ground first? Or, does he put the entire hoof down level? If his walk is level, he will most likely lope and trot level also. And, most importantly for cow horses, he will stop level also. If he does not land perfectly level his timing (and yours) will be off. This problem will only get worse as you work him at a quicker pace. Remember, all foot and leg problems intensify as the horse moves faster.
The best way to make decisions about your performance horse's shoeing needs is to watch him move from the ground, and learn to listen to your seat.
If you have any tips on shoeing the performance horse please post them here and share your experience.
I have been lucky with my reining cow horse, Smoke ‘em. He has never needed any corrective shoeing. I simply have my farrier trim him flat and level based on the conformation of each of his legs. I have his feet trimmed short to ensure that he moves naturally. Horses with toes that are too long or heels that are too high do not stride naturally and do not look pretty to the judges. Eventually, excessively long feet cause problems that may require correction and even rehabilitation down the road. You can compare this problem to the human athlete. If a runner wore shoes one size too small, or too large, for even one training session he would feel a lot more stress and strain in the legs than with shoes which fit properly. The same is true for your horse.
The most important factor in the shoeing of your performance horse is to have him land level on the ground, You can notice this by observing your horse move at a walk. View him from the front and from the side. Does the inside or the outside of the shoe hit the ground first? Or, does he put the entire hoof down level? If his walk is level, he will most likely lope and trot level also. And, most importantly for cow horses, he will stop level also. If he does not land perfectly level his timing (and yours) will be off. This problem will only get worse as you work him at a quicker pace. Remember, all foot and leg problems intensify as the horse moves faster.
The best way to make decisions about your performance horse's shoeing needs is to watch him move from the ground, and learn to listen to your seat.
If you have any tips on shoeing the performance horse please post them here and share your experience.
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