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Caring for Your Horses Hooves
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Hoof Anatomy and Physiology » Nutrition and Health Care » Environment: Keep Them Clean and Dry » Keep them Trimmed » Shoes? » More Info 

You would think that this most important part of the equine anatomy would be the subject of huge amounts of research and investigation. Until very recently however, this was not true. The result is that many of our commonly accepted precepts are at best untested and, as good scientific information is uncovered, some have been shown to be untrue. Good hoof care, though the subject of speculation since the time man first hitched a horse to a load, is still poorly understood. Now don't take this the wrong way: experience has led us to a workable methodology that results in the majority of horses being able to perform their intended work with few hoof problems. It is also true that there are still many chronic hoof problems that defy attempts at correction and sometimes explanation. Some of the known and conjectured problems with poor quality horn:
  • genetics
  • nutrition
  • past trimming and shoeing experiences
  • environment
  • injury
This article provides an overview of the anatomy and principles of hoof care and trimming for horses and other equines. Links are provided to more detailed articles on various subjects pertaining to the care and diseases of horse hooves. Summaries of scientific reports are at the end of this article.
      ~Word Count: 3106 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: May 28, 2008;

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Discussions on Care of the Hoof: an Overview

Subtopics Posts Updated
iconOverall managemant for horse with additional complications from abs...38 Sep 19, 08
iconGrowth rate of a foals hoof versus an adult horseJul 8, 08
iconPoor hoof quality and dragging back hoovesJun 13, 08
iconRough coronet bandsApr 25, 08
iconSnow and wet hoovesJun 10, 08
iconDo Bare Foot Hooves Grow?Nov 20, 07
iconShoes in the winter?Nov 1, 07
iconMysterious bruiseOct 5, 07
iconInjured Heel BulbAug 10, 07
iconWax and oil ?12 Mar 11, 08
iconSmall front feet: shoes necessary?May 28, 07
iconKeratex Hoof Gel10 May 31, 07
iconBruised spots on wall & heelMay 22, 07
iconWDL29 May 8, 07
iconResearch Summary: Galloping and its effect on hoof angle Apr 17, 07
iconAbrasive hoof trimming14 Jul 10, 08
iconFarriers' websiteSep 15, 06
iconBruise after shoe lostAug 28, 06
iconAmateur Farrier Hour50 Jan 17, 08
iconColor of hooves18 Jun 8, 06
iconNeed a barefoot farrier around Clinton (Missoula) MTSep 6, 06
iconAbcess for over 2 months12 Jun 6, 06
iconRing around the soleDec 26, 05
iconGoing barefoot Dec 2, 05
iconDry hoovesAug 26, 05
iconHoof Supplements14 57 Jul 20, 07
iconYearling Hoof ....questionsJun 1, 05
iconSurface cracksMay 24, 05
iconHard, brittle hoofsOct 1, 04
iconHoof wall separation13 Aug 27, 04
iconFirst Time ShoeingJun 27, 04
iconNatural Balance shoeJun 29, 04
iconHard sulcusMay 26, 04
iconOral hoof supplimentsOct 1, 04
iconOvergrown sole20 Apr 20, 04
iconHoof questions12 Oct 5, 04
iconTo Shoe or Not to Shoe12 Apr 1, 04
iconPulled shoe on trail rideMar 27, 04
iconThrush advancing . . . .11 Feb 18, 04
iconEasy Walker Horse ShoesFeb 3, 04
iconGelatin for Hoof GrowthJan 18, 04
icon"Hoof Rot?"Sep 15, 03
iconSquishy around coronet?Jul 18, 03
iconDished hoofJun 30, 03
iconHorse slipping on pavement15 Jun 23, 03
iconOf long toes and low heelsJan 3, 05
iconArchived DiscussionsClick link to access data.
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