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…
Q: What causes a hoof crack? A: Hoof cracks are simply splits in the hoof wall. They are often the result of trauma to the coronary band or hoof wall; irregular hoof trimming; poor hoof balance; poor conformation; poor quality of hoof; poor diet; and extreme weather conditions. Cracks are easy to see on the hoof…
Q: Do Miniature Horses wear shoes? A: Miniature Horses have no need for shoes. They have very hardy hooves and with correct trimming they do not need shoes unless for medical or corrective reasons. Soft 'tekkie-like' shoes are placed on their hooves when people take them indoors to avoid them slipping on the floors, but these shoes…
Q: Does my horse need overreach boots? A: Overreach boots, also known as bell boots, are worn over the pastern and the hoof and help to protect the heels of the horse's front feet from being struck by the hind legs during movement. Overreach boots also help to prevent a horse from taking off his front…
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…
For the Reonet Summer Cup I entered all of my barefoot horses (which are mostly owned by the Slade family and a couple by myself and Tamzyn Wegrostek) in the newly resurfaced Bob Charter arena. Personally I was disappointed with the going – they had top dressed the arena and had the grass too short…
