Hoof CareUW Extension Seminar

Keith Vander Velde

Marquette County

March 2003

Montello, Stevens Point, Green Lake Wisconsin Rapids,

Hoof Care

• Healthy Hoof Necessary for Movement

Hoof Care• Myths of hoof care

– Keep the feet wet by standing horses in mud• Excess moisture causes cracks, thrush, white line

disease, poor hoof quality and lost shoes.

– The ideal hoof angle is 45 degrees– A long toe lengthens and softens a horse’s

stride– Hooves crack when too dry– Hoof dressing adds moisture and nutrients to

hoof wall and thereby improve hoof quality

Hoof Care• Myths of hoof care

• The frog must make contact with the ground for blood to circulate

• Horses not ridden frequently don’t need shoes

• All horses need to go barefoot for a period of time

• Mud will suck horseshoe right off the hoof

• The best shoeing job is the one that stays on the longest

• Shoeing is a necessary evil

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Hoof Care

Proper Conformation

Proper Conformation• Defects of travel

– Paddling-foot is thrown outward– Winging-foot swings inward, can cause

interference– Plaiting or Rope Walking-one foot in front of

other– Interfering-Striking a limb with the opposite

limb– Forging-hitting the sole of forefoot with hind

foot– Overreaching-hitting the heel of forefoot with

hind foot

Footpaths of Horses

Winging

• Foot swings inward

• Associated with narrow and

toed out conditions

Leads to interfering

View of Fore Hoof

View of Hind Hoof

• Not as round

• More pointed

Contracted Hoof

• Note contracted heel

and quarters

Quarter Cracks

• Shoes help evenly distribute weight

• Coronary Band is filed or cut

• Toe Clips reduce hoof expansion

What About External Treatment

• Help soften hoof wall

• Some provide protection-boots

• Very little is absorbed into tissue

• Do not get to source of the problem in circular system

Trimming or Shoeing

• Need because of bedding and soft ground• Done every 5-8 weeks• Shape sole• Trim frog so it self cleans-no gravel or thrush• Trim hoof wall level• Keep hoof balanced• Use hot or cold shoes and only 6 nails although

most shoes have 8 holes-allows more movement

Trimming or Shoeing

• Three types of Shoeing

– Preventative-keeps horse sound and improves longevity

– Corrective-alter hoof to affect stride

– Therapeutic-Helps in lameness conditions to support damaged areas

Making the Job Easy

• Work with Horses – Pick up the feet– Get colts and young horses used to having feet

picked up– Have your young horses trimmed early– Remove shoes before they fall off– Keep your pens and yards dry as possible

Your Farriers Favorite

• Multi-legged

• Great way to sell

shoes

• Lots of Practice

• Good income per

horse