It’s all in the hoof!

Waraji Woven Grass Sandal

Introduction How long have horseshoes been used on horses? ~ 2,000 years (Egyptians, Persians) Why do we shoe horses? To protect from excessive wear Help prevent disease and injury Neglect = problems and unsoundness

Structure & Function “The Horse’s Second Heart” Feet are vital to the health of the horse Good care – prevention of lameness What are hooves designed for? Support Weight Absorb Shock Provide Traction Conduct Moisture Assist in Pumping Blood

The Hoof From the Bottom Bulb of Heel Bar(s) Sole Wall Toe White Line Frog A. Central groove B. Ridge C. Lateral groove D. Apex

The outer layer of a horse’s hoof is similar to what in a human? Answer: The finger nail

What is the hoof largely composed of? Answer: Keratin

Answer: Yes, the hoof grows at a rate of ¼ inch per month, on average. Is the hoof alive?

Hoof Care Hoof pick: from heel toward toe, sides/cleft of frog Fine-bristled wire brush Do not apply too much pressure with either tool. This can cause: Damage-bruising, abcess, infection, etc.

Hoof Care Important to support weight and movement Trimmed regularly Frog: indicator of horse health Trimmed regularly Every 4-6 weeks, depending on their location

Hoof wall should be the longest at the toe and taper back towards the heels

Too long, Dish Hard on tendons and legs, wrong angle of foot

Steps in picking up the foot Make sure he is safely tied up and calm Approach him, and face towards rear, keeping attentive of behavior Run hand down back of leg (front leg) and gently squeeze tendons below fetlock Lift hoof with hand under hoof wall Once he shifts weight to lift the foot, adjust hands to have dominant hand free for cleaning

The one who does it all… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJMlX6pJUJc What does a farrier do? Removes old shoes and nails Cleans and levels (with rasp) Shapes shoe (furnace) Nailing shoe on (just outside of white line) Setting nails with clinching bar (strike off head to tighten shoe) Level/rasp the burs under nails

Teeth care and aging

How does a horse’s mouth move? 12 front incisors Circular motion Causes grinding of teeth over time Floating: Required to keep them from having sharp edges

What about aging? Several factors... Width vs. depth Wider = younger Deeper, more triangular = older Angle of incidence – contact of incisors Galvayne’s groove – upper corner incisors

As Horse Gets Older https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2-ndxZIxI What happens? Angle of incidence increases Teeth wear down Gums recede Teeth become more triangular in shape