1. Hoof Care UW Extension Seminar Keith Vander Velde Marquette County March 2003 Montello, Stevens Point, Green Lake Wisconsin Rapids,

2. Hoof Care Healthy Hoof Necessary for Movement

3. 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

4. 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

5. Hoof Care

12. Proper Conformation

13. 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

14. Footpaths of Horses

15. Winging Foot swings inward Associated with narrow and toed out conditions Leads to interfering

16. View of Fore Hoof

17. View of Hind Hoof Not as round More pointed

18. Contracted Hoof Note contracted heel and quarters

19. Quarter Cracks Shoes help evenly distribute weight Coronary Band is filed or cut Toe Clips reduce hoof expansion

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Your Farriers Favorite Multi-legged Great way to sell shoes Lots of Practice Good income per horse