HORSE HEALTH CHECK: 12) FEET

Hooves can be great indicators of overall hoof health. Poor quality horn in the feet can be suggestive of nutritional deficiencies, and rings can be signs of previous episodes of laminitis or stress. Any big sand cracks from the top of the hoof, or grass cracks from the bottom of the hoof, should be looked…

BylizzieAugust 16, 20190Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

ASKHQ: HOOF CRACKS

Q: How can I prevent hoof cracks? A: There are several different types of hoof crack. Sand cracks are due to hoof imbalance or trauma to the coronary band. These cracks originate at the top of the hoof wall and travel downwards. Horses experience pain with these cracks as the crack opens and closes as the…

BylizzieAugust 2, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

THE HOOF ABSCESS EXPLAINED

Understanding one of the most common causes of lameness A hoof abscess is a localised accumulation of purulent fluid (pus) within the horse’s hoof. The pus is produced as a reaction by the horse’s body to infection. A hoof abscess causes sudden-onset, severe lameness. Despite the dramatic onset and severity of the lameness associated with…

BylizzieJanuary 14, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

BURNING UP?

Skin and coat care for your horse in summer Text by Mandy Schroder We all love to have sleek, shiny and healthy-looking horses. However, South Africa, with its beautiful sunny climate, can wreak havoc on our horses’ coats. There is nothing worse than a beautiful dark bay looking all bleached and ‘burnt’ with a coat…

BylizzieDecember 8, 20180Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

PENETRATING WOUNDS OF THE FOOT

If a sharp object penetrates a horse’s foot, it can damage the sensitive tissues and deeper structures underneath Puncture wounds of the equine foot are common and can be very serious. The most common objects that penetrate horses’ feet are nails and screws, but other sharp objects such as pieces of farm implements can sometimes cause…

BylizzieFebruary 6, 20180Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

Flat feet

Flat feet can be rehabilitated with corrective farrier work. [dropcap]F[/dropcap]lat-footedness is a common problem that several horse owners and farriers face, and it is especially prominent in Thoroughbreds. Flat feet develop as a result of genetics, conformation faults, poor physical conditions, lack of hoof care or early shoeing, as is the case for most Thoroughbreds. Long…

BylizzieJuly 30, 20170Comments

Know How

Boots: best foot forward

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e are spoilt for choice when it comes to boots, and these days boots are even more innovative and technologically advanced than ever before. Boots come in a variety of materials and are secured with Velcro, buckles or clips. With so many options available, it can be tricky to pick out the best boots for your…

BylizzieApril 20, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

Feeding the retired Thoroughbred

Is your Thoroughbred better off on a high forage diet? [dropcap]B[/dropcap]rave, talented, versatile ... off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) make fantastic sport and leisure horses who can easily be retrained into a second career. While they need to adjust mentally and physically to their new life, it’s equally important to transition their digestive system back to a high…

BylizzieSeptember 22, 20160Comments

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