Q A
: What hoof-related items should I carry on the trail?
: I never ride without a hoof pick! Even a barefoot horse can get stones or other
foreign bodies lodged into the sulci of the frog. Further, the hoof pick is a tool that is oſt en valu- able for other reasons. I have used my pick to dislodge chains on gates, repair buckles, straps and a variety of other tack malfunctions. Not to mention they are great to assist in adjusting and replacing hoof boots. T e other thing that should be carried on the
trail is some form of hoof repair or protective measure. I personally have all barefoot horses and ride with barrier boots. T erefore an extra boot is my “spare tire.” I carry two of them at all times due to the fact I ride long distances and over varied terrain. In many cases, two would still be a good idea
because many horses have larger front feet than hind. T is would hold true for the shod horse as well. A lost shoe over rough terrain can be a problem, not only for the discomfort associated but the potential trauma to the foot. In cases of a shod horse I would advise two boots as well not only due to the sizes of the feet when appropri- ate, but also to allow a boot to be placed not only on a bare hoof when the shoe has been lost, but also over the shod hoof should protection be required. —Darla Wright, DVM
Trail Blazer readers want to know about
THE TRAIL HORSE HOOF
Questions by Trail Blazer Readers Answers by Darla Wright, DVM & Monique Craig
Q A
: Seems like this year all my horses have had hoof cracks. Are
they serious, what causes them, and what can I do to prevent them?
: Cracks, in general, are separations or breaks in the hoof wall. T ere are numer-
ous types of cracks with diff erent origins and causes. With reference to simple hoof wall cracks (breaking and chipping): One of the most important things to remember when your horse has dry, hard hooves that are cracking is NOT to overfi ll your water troughs and create “mud” for them to stand in or moist conditions. Time and time again clients have described this technique to me (usually at the recommendation of their neighbor, shoer, etc.). Mud is a poultice and it draws or wicks away
moisture. T ink about this (ladies especially!), when you want to draw oil and impurities away from your skin (face) you apply a mud mask! Instead, you need to maintain dry, clean condi- tions for your horses’ feet. Excessive amounts of manure and urine puddles will aid in draw- ing moisture from the hooves and promoting them to become dry and crack. Further, topical hoof dressings are of lit le value and serve more to give the client something to do. T ere is no substitute for a good diet and a well-managed paddock.—Darla Wright, DVM
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