Read About Equine Hoof Care

Equine Hoof Care, and everything you need to know to take the best care of your pet is included in this article. Equine hoof care is essential to prevent hoof diseases or lameness in the horse.

Equine Hoof Care - Health

  1. Inoculations:

    Horse inoculations must be given periodically to ward off health dangers. Though inoculations are not directly related to the hoof, a hoof is the contact between the parasites on the ground and the horse. Unless the horse is properly vaccinated against diseases, the animal is very vulnerable.
  2. Vet Visits:

    Visits to the vet and farrier must be very punctual even if you cannot visibly see any changes in the horse. A farrier or an equine vet can easily diagnose hoof diseases like Keratoma, Necorsis, Fracture, or Pedal Osteitis.
  3. Grooming:

    Unlike other pets, horse grooming is not limited to brushing the coat once in a while. Horses require diligent grooming including daily hoof checks for bruises, cracks, wall separations, cuts, and stones.
  4. Pet Proofing Your Home:

    Pet proofing the home is not required for a horse unless you have a miniature horse which you allow into your home.
  5. Environment:

    The most important factor is the stable condition. Ammonia produced by the horse waste is dangerous to the hoof and the stable bed should be cleaned every day without fail. Fill the stable with fresh bedding daily.
  6. Exercise:

    Exercise helps to keep the hooves in good conditions, but never take a horse out without first checking the hooves for cracks, bruises, cuts, etc.

Equine Hoof Care - Food

  1. Type:

    A hoof is composed of mostly protein. So feed your horse with protein supplements to keep the hooves in good condition. Alfalfa and beans contain a lot of protein and are a good protein supplement. Avoid bran during any hoof diseases.
  2. Variety or Always the Same:

    A regular diet is recommended rather than frequent change. Constant diet with lots of protein supplements is good for the horse.
  3. Bowls -- Fancy or Plain:

    Horses do not need bowls.
  4. Treats:

    Horses love treats like any other pet. Mostly horses are treated with corn bread, ginger snaps, cereal bars, and candies.

Equine Hoof Care - Temperament

  1. Pet Temperament:

    Temperament varies from breed to breed. Usually you can predict the temperament of your pet after a few days. Any major change from regular behavior calls for attention.
  2. Pet Socialization:

    Horses are gentle creatures mostly. Some breeds may be shy and should be socialized.
  3. Playing With Your Pet:

    Though horses do not play like other pets, they love the company of their handler. Stroking and talk keeps then happy mostly.
  4. Behavior Problems:

    Some hoof problems may make the horse nervous and the creature might refuse to come out of the stable. Checking the hooves regularly keeps any problem at bay. Remember the major cause of lameness in a horse is a neglected hoof.
  5. Training:

    Trained horses are easy to handle and are easy to treat for the vets and farriers.

Equine Hoof Care - Supplies

  1. What You Need:

    Apart from the regular equine needs like stable, tack, medicine and supply, keep a stock of hoof medicines to treat bruises and cuts. Take the advice of your equine vet or farrier.
  2. What You'll Want:

    You may desire expensive tack to go with your trained horse.