Cleaning

When cleaning the foot use a hoof pick.  We prefer the kind that are a pick and brush combination.  The frog is differentiated from the sole of the foot by two lines called commissures. 

Be especially careful to clean the commissures on each side of the frog and the cleft of the frog itself.  Don't attempt to open the heel excessively, as this weakens the area and interferes with proper contraction and expansion of the heel.

Trimming

The hoof wall is a horny substance made up of parallel fibers (Figure 1). It should be dense, straight, and free from rings (ridges) and cracks.  Viewed from the side, the wall at the toe should be a continuation of the slope of the pastern.

Figure 1. Anatomy of the horse's foot.

The main functions of the wall are to provide a weight-bearing surface not easily worn away, protect the internal structure of the foot, and maintain moisture in the foot.

Usually, the hoof wall is thicker at the toe than at the quarter and heel. The hoof wall is protected by the periople, a varnish-like coating that also holds moisture in the hoof.

The frog, located at the heel of the foot, forms a "V" into the center of the sole (Figure 2). The frog is a spongy, flexible pad and is also a weight-bearing surface. It is the intermediate organ between the plantar cushion and the source of pressure from the horse's weight. The frog is differentiated from the sole of the foot by two lines called commissures.

Figure 2. Parts of the ground surface of the horse's foot.

The condition of the frog generally is a good indication of the health of the foot. Without proper flexibility, expansion and ground contact, the frog cannot perform its function in complementing the circulation of blood and the absorption of shock throughout the foot.

Trim the heels low enough to promote expansion and prevent contraction of the heels. The main concern is to trim often enough to prevent cracking and uneven wear, which could eventually contribute to the improper set of the feet and legs. With a little practice, most horse owners should be able to routinely trim feet of horses that do not need corrective work. It is wise, however, not to take a chance on compounding a problem on horses that need corrective trimming. To prevent harmful mistakes, seek the help of a professional farrier when trying to correct an improper turn or set of the feet and legs.

Fat horses tend to have problems with laminitis (founder).  This is especially common among horses with some Shetland pony breeding.  Grass founder in the spring produces more laminitis than any other single cause.  If your horse is fat, grazes abundant grass, and is not exercised, there is great risk of laminitis and laminitis commonly causes lameness.  Horses with laminitis have extreme pain and soreness, especially in their front feet.  They try to bear weight on their back legs and lighten the front end as much as possible by carrying their front feet forward and their back feet up under their bodies.  Horses showing signs of laminitis should have immediate attention from a veterinarian.

We recomend Mike Edwards (Farrier)

252-226-2370