Horse hooves are susceptible to infections, and by taking care of feet diligently, you not only keep horses healthy but allow it to perform at its peak.The effects of proper hoof care are evident in the performance of horses that you see racing on TVG shows.Daily care and cleaning of hooves help to detect signs of infections early that allow you to attend to cracks, wounds, and abscesses on time and prevents aggravation.To establish a routine of daily hoof care, follow the tips given below.
Hooves cleaning
Hoof care begins by cleaning feet first to clean by removing various kinds of materials like grass, dirt, manure, and bits of rocks with the help of hoof pick. Use a stiff brush to clean the debris from the sole. Clean hooves daily and every time the horse comes back after doing its rounds outdoor so that waste and other materials do not stick to it. That would reduce the chances of horses contracting the infection from hooves.
Shoe inspection
Horse shoes tend to get bent or pull away or may shift to the side, and you must put it back to its original position. Poorly fitted shoes can cause injury either from the hoof metal or the nails and clinches that accompany it.Remove thrown shoes and for added protection, keep a hoof repair kit handy. There can nothing be worse than horses trotting with damaged shoes.
Feed improves hoof health
Hoof supplements contain vitamins like biotin as well as minerals like zinc that encourages the growth of keratin and proteins found in hooves. Include such supplements in your horse diet. That would ensure healthy hooves and consult your veterinarian to prepare special feed chart for overall good health.
Maintain hoof moisture
Keeping hooves moist helps to prevent cracks and the use of topical conditioner would control hoof water loss and facilitate absorption. Hooves become soft when horses tread on dewy pastures, move around muddy paddocks and due to wet weather. Lack of moisture in dry weather can result in cracked hooves which might even grow brittle, contract, and break. In both cases, feet become susceptible to injuries and infection. Hoof damage can take almost a year to recover and exposes horses to health risks.
Minimize exposure to muddy surfaces
Too much exposure to muddy conditions can harm horses as the moisture content of hooves alters, shoes can become loose, and chances of infections like thrush increases.Moreover, horses could fall on muddy and slippery surfaces resulting in injured joints or broken legs. Prevent water accumulation on pastures and fill up holes to avoid mud formation.Let the horse rest on the dry ground in a run-in shelter after it returns from fields.
Push for exercise
Horses should be active and involve it in various daily activities because it is beneficial for health, strength and hoof growth. Let it participate in some equestrian games to receive its daily dose of exercise.
The above would ensure that horses remain fit and fine with healthy hooves to support improved performance.
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