Hoof maintenance is a vital part of ensuring your horses well being. Ideally you should look at your horses hooves every day, and at least two times each week. You will be able to become very familiar with what is usual and what isn't, and will be able to to notice any issues that might be beginning.
Reading this simple guide may help you in your daily grooming routiene.
1. As you approach your horse ensure the symmetry is releatively close, they do not have to be perfectly equal, but very close to the same size and shape.
2. Look carefully for faults in the hoof wall and coronary band. Pick up the hoof, run your hand over the outside of the wall to notice any defects. You can use the exact procedure for the coronary band and then press it gently. Applying these two procedures will also highlight soft areas and moisture holding areas.
3. Examine the sole. Examine the colouring in every hoof. If correct they should be the same in colouration. A clearly defined dark spot will indicate bruising or puncture wound.
4. Look at and compare the frogs. The hooves at the front should be the sae size and shape, the same applies to the rear hooves. You should gently push each frog using your hoof pick, mostly, excluding the desert areas, it should be slightly spongy.
5. If shod, clasp the horseshoe and see if it wiggles. Look for missing clinches, if loose you might opt to remove the shoe before your horse misplaces it by itself and possibly takes a section of hoof with it.
If you frequently check your horses hooves, you can avoid a lot of problems by noticing the issue before it worsens.
It is recommended you include into your daily hoof cleaning some easy steps. Use your hoof pick working from heel to toe. If packed tightly you will probably be required to loosen it up a touch before it is removed. Once the blockage is removed, examine all the regions of the hoof and make positive that there is not a smell as this is usually a clear cut indicator of thrush. Be certain there aren't any pebbles or stones stuck anywhere, even underneath the shoe.
Your horses hooves should display a natural gloss on the wall of the hoof.
If you see a smooth level surface free of cracks, circles, dishes, flares and a concave sole which meets the shoe, then you can be positive that your horses hooves are in good health.
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