SHOEING VS. BAREFOOT IN THE SPORTHORSE

What does the science say For some riders, shoes are non‑negotiable tools that let sporthorses stay comfortable, protected and competitive on modern surfaces. For others, the barefoot (often boot-assisted) model is a welfare-forward way to build stronger, more functional feet, and many swear their horses move better for it. The truth, as usual, sits somewhere…

BylizzieAugust 11, 20250Comments

Horse Health

SOLE DEEP

What we know about sole thickness and soundness When we think about hooves, we often focus on wall cracks, flares, or the perfect white line, but the sole plays a vital and often underappreciated role in keeping our horses sound, especially in the age of synthetic surfaces and intense sport schedules. The thickness and integrity of…

BylizzieAugust 7, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING HOOF CRACKS IN HORSES

Hoof cracks are a common but often overlooked issue in our equine companions. Many of us are guilty of trivialising these issues, with ‘It’ll grow out’ or ‘It’s just because of the nails’, but we need to remember that the hooves are vital living tissues that must be taken care of. As the old and oft-repeated…

BylizzieJune 18, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: THRUSH

Q: What is the best way to deal with thrush? A: Thrush is a bacterial/fungal issue, and the main cause is poor hoof hygiene. Contributing factors include poor stable management, especially dirty and wet beds, and not regularly picking the horse’s feet out. Other factors can include poor hoof conformation, such as more upright, boxy…

BylizzieFebruary 17, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT – IS YOUR HORSE DUE FOR A TRIM?

Has your farrier or barefoot trimmer ever commented that your horse's feet were awfully long, but they simply didn't look that long to you? Or, if you're not sticking to a specific trimming schedule, are you unsure as to when you need to have your horse's feet trimmed? Or are you the person uttering the…

BylizzieMay 18, 20230Comments

SHOEING VS. BAREFOOT IN THE SPORTHORSE

SOLE DEEP

UNDERSTANDING HOOF CRACKS IN HORSES

ASKHQ: THRUSH

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT – IS YOUR HORSE DUE FOR A TRIM?

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