reduced “snowballing” -- clumping/ packing of snow in the hoof. If the decision is made to pull your horse’s shoes for the winter, take the opportunity to more closely observe the unobstructed growth of each hoof.
Duckett points out: “At the initial stage of removing the shoes, the feet will chip and break up, which may seem unsightly to some; at the next trimming interval they can be rounded off back to an acceptable and comfortable level.”
C
most farriers welcome the sight of hooves that have been allowed to grow and wear naturally. Tey can then tailor their trimming/shoeing approach to optimally accommodate each horse’s unique hoof characteristics and adjust to the animal’s individual needs.
“For the first set of shoes in the Spring,” Duckett explains, “the outer-edge of the hoof may be rounded off or broken back. In these cases, the shoe is placed in a safe position that may leave the outer edge of the shoe exposed. Tis is reconciled at the next shoeing interval when the foot is trimmed and the shoe correctly fitted. At this stage the shoe will conform
ome Spring, when the discussion resumes on ‘to shoe or not to shoe,’
and follow the foot’s natural profile and the outer edge of the shoe will not be exposed.”
WHEN NOT TO UN-SHOE If your riding routine remains as active during the winter months as it was the rest of the year, and your horse has never or rarely gone barefoot, pulling shoes may not be advisable. A viable option is the use of hoof boots, which offer protection during workouts, while allowing the benefits of barefoot during turnout.
“If your horse has any discomfort at all,” Duckett says, “his feet should be protected. Not all horses can go barefoot, by nature of breed and structure of the foot.”
H
should not have their treatment protocol interrupted unless agreed upon by their practitioners.
Overall health and safety of your horse are crucial when deciding whether to pull shoes. You and your horse care team know best.
Ellen Haight, Editor of Holistic Horse magazine and eNewsletter, enjoys recreational rides with her (currently shod on the front hooves) 23-year-old large pony in the Rocky Mountains of south-central
Colorado.
ADIOS THRUSH! with Zephyr's Garden
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thrush,white line & seedy toe. All natural, no dyes.
orses wearing shoes for therapeutic reasons (navicular, cracked hooves)
Just Slip on and Tie!
New StepnSoak “Ultra” Hoof Soaking System
Made of Soft Durable Vinyl
REUSABLE - Rinse Out - Roll Up - And Reuse!
Use to treat all hoof ailments including:
Hoof Abscess Contracted Toe Bacterial Infections Deep Conditioning Laminitis Navicular Thrush Seedy Toe
White Line Disease Puncture Wounds Vapor Treatments
www.ZephyrsGarden.com [or your local tack store]
805-969-7059 Holistic Horse™ • October/November 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 69
www.holistichorse.com | 11
888-STPNSOK (787-6765)
www.stepnsoak.com
Made in the USA
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