Grooming and Shoeing Tips
Read these 88 Grooming and Shoeing Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Horse tips and hundreds of other topics.
Braiding Tails For Winter!
First collect the necessary items: show sheen, old nylon stockings, electrician's tape, tail bag, scissors.
Clean & wash & rinse & condition the tail. Spin until Dry. Spray thoroughly with Show Sheen. Using only your fingers, comb the tail making sure that all tangles are completely worked out of the tail. Once fully dry you can begin to braid!
Take a pair of pantyhose (preferrably full of runs~!). Place the panty section at the top of the braid. Use the legs as you would a section of braid. Divide the tail in half, or thirds if it is exceptionally thick. Using the nylon sections, braid in from top to bottom the nylon sections in with the hair sections of the tail. Once finished braiding to the very end of the tail, secure the bottom of the braid with electrician's tape.
Take the bottom of the braid and fold upwards towards the back of the horse, pulling the end through the braid about 1" below the dock. Repeat this feed through process until the braided section is about 12" long. It is fine to continue to feed through at the same place 1" below the dock. Once completed, you may have two loops overtop of each other, or you may have five loops, it will all depend on the length of your horse's tail!
Now take electrician's tape and secure the tail loops at the top about 2" below the top loop through the base of the dock, and then about 2" above the bottom of the loops.
Pull the panty section at the top of the tail down over the braids & secure at the bottom with electrician's tape.
Slide a Tail Bag (preferably nylon) over the top of the nyloned braid & run the tab through the top of the braid, below the dock but above your braid loops. Taking electrician's tape, secure the top of the bag over the tab, making sure that it won't pull off!
During the winter, using this method, I leave the tail wrapped up as long as possible. If your horse is getting the bag very, very dirty, then repeat the entire process as often as is necessary. Each time you take the braid down, replace the pantyhose with a clean (but runned up) pair~!
Happy Tails To YOU!
Prior To Polishing Hooves
If you want to give the polish a better adherance, then use a fine sandpaper to lightly remove the stains caused from manure and past arena surfaces. Once sanded, use cotton soaked in nailpolish remover to remove the dust particles. Then use soap and water to remove the polish remover. Allow the hooves to dry thoroughly (overnight) before applying the polish.
When U Can't Shampoo!
Mix in equal parts, water, white vinegar, apple vinegar, and liniment. Sponge all over the horse & let dry, when you can't shampoo. Makes for a shiny, look & feel, clean horse.
Fly Spray That Works
Personally, I am not against zapping the annoying little @#$@$@ with chemicals, and I have found that Farnam's "Wipe" has always worked for me....in the south, and the PNW.
But, for those that are allergic, or for owners that don't like trusty chemicals, there is a remedy that actually works!
So here goes, mix in a fly spray bottle in these ratios:
1/4 bottle Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 bottle Water (hose/tap type is great...U aren't drinking it!)
1/2 bottle White Vinegar
Make SURE to shake well before each spraying. Being all natural, spray until wet. Feed morning grain/hay AFTER spraying so horse can dry before being Turned Out for the day; and then TO for the day free of flies, and mosquitoes!
Regular Grooming
On a daily basis, especially in the months that your horse may be blanketed, or subjected to winter weather elements, you should be daily grooming.
Start with a rubber grooma (or curry comb). Deep massage all over generating that hair & dead skin to come to the surface. Follow this with a somewhat stiff body brush. Finish with a soft face brush all over his body. Using the grooma where he can't get to such as around the backs/insides of the rear legs, under the belly, the neck, ears, face, chest will develop his love for you that not many other things can compete with! Don't forget to pick his feet! Pick his feet at least 2X daily in the winter months!
Daily Maintenance - Feet
ESPECIALLY IN MOIST/WET CLIMATES!!!!!
During the winter/or rainy months, help out your horse, and your farrier, by making sure to pick out thoroughly your horses' feet. Picking up every one of the feet in a systematic order on a daily regular basis (this should be done a minimum of 2X daily). Add to this routine, your entry & exit from Riding (making it necessary in the Winter/Rainy months to pick out the feet at least 4X daily!
Prevention is worth it's weight in gold, and an ounce of prevention is worth millions in Vet/Farrier bills!
White Whites
White Legs?
Use dishwashing detergent!
Smells great and gets the legs all white again!
Getting The Most Of Manes/Tails
This all depends on the type of mane and condition; and the climatic conditions of your area.
I prefer to wash the mane/tail in dish soap, then rinse in white vinegar, and then rinse again with Mane/Tail Conditioner. Dry. When 7/8 dry, spray to soak with Show Sheen (I place towels under the mane on the neck; and under the tail over the back legs).
When Dry, then I put the tail up (see Tips in Grooming); and the mane, I only comb out with my fingers WHEN I HAVE THE TIME TO fully SEPARATE ALL OF THE HAIR. Otherwise, I leave it alone.
If you use a hood, make sure that you take it off every day for at least two hours, and make sure to curry the neck well, to keep the circulation moving in this area.
Soothing A Horse & Treating A Hoof
When soaking hoofs for abcess due to laminitis, add Lavander essential oil along with Epsom Salts. A teaspoon of Lavander oil to a gallon of warm water.
Helps the horse relax, and also acts as an analgesic to help sooth pain. When I did this for my own horse, it was the first time she just kept her hoof in the water and after about 20 minutes she was almost asleep.
Treatment of Hoof Corns
Treat Hoof Corns by first removing the shoe. Trim away the excess of the hoof. Trim away excess at the bruised area. Apply a bar shoe to protect the heel & bruised area while transferring the horse's weight onto the frog area, this will enable the heel to heal.
Before/After Riding
Braces & Liniments as Deep Muscle Therapy after/before workouts (& YOUR HORSE WILL LOVE YOU 4 IT~!) I mix according to the directions, only sufficient amount for each time, and mix with HOT WATER to increase muscle relaxation.
Before Workouts: Mist from a Spray Bottle all down the neck, the back, the hip, the legs...front & back, the underline, the chest. Cover with a cooler. Mist the lower leg lightly. Wrap the lower legs with Polo Wraps. Let stand about 15 minutes, or long enough to properly clean tack & prepare for riding!
After Workouts: Sponge on liberally. Cover with a cooler. Fresh wrap Polo Wraps. Clean Tack.
Remove Cooler & if damp, put on a light cotton sheet under the blanket. Cotton is a ventilated fabric, allowing heat to escape, and the dampness to evaporate.
Hot Weather Cool Out/Off
On very hot, even humid days, cool your horse off/out by applying diluted liniment, sponged all over his body, will cool him out, and bring down his internal temperature.
Benefits of Leg Poultices
Poultices draw out fluid from tissues, reduce swelling and increase circulation.
Leg Poultices
How To Apply Leg Poultice:
Mix up poultice mixture.
Cold hose leg, removing all debris, dirt, sweat.
Smear Poultice mixture generously below knee to ankle.
Wrap leg with either saran wrap, brown paper (from bags) being careful not to wrinkle/crease the wrapping.
Overwrap with a leg wrap.
Secure with a standing bandage.
Be sure to rinse all legs thoroughly with cold water when removing the poultice material.
Never leave on more than 12 hours, unless told to do so in that specific application by a Veterinarian.
Cooling Out Your Horse
To properly cool out your horse. He should be walked (either ridden or by hand) for at least 10 to 20 minutes after exercise, depending upon the level of exertion that he has utilized.
During walking, put a cooler on your horse. (Please check out our Tips for inexpensive alternatives to pricey coolers).
After walking, put the horse in the cross ties, or stall tie, or stalled, which ever works best for your horse. Mix 1/10 parts HOT water to green cool, vetroline or absorbine type product. Mix in a spray bottle. Once mixed, spray his entire body with a mist. Be sure to completely cover his entire body, and soak the areas of deep muscles (hip, legs, shoulders, back, crest of neck). Put on a light stable cotton sheet. Put regular stable blanket(s) over top. Retire to bed or paddock w/a handful of cut up carrots or apple pieces! He will LOVE you for this time off for GREAT BEHAVIOUR!
Origination of Sand/Toe Cracks
Result from uneven weight bearing, irregular growth, wire cuts, excessive hoof/toe length, dry surfaces such as sand arenas, or dry hooves from lack of adequate hoof tar application.
Dusting Dobbin
For a nice, finished look as you end your grooming session, use a piece of damp foam rubber to collect the remaining dust. This will leave old Dobbin's coat with a nice shine.
Unattended Bruises of The Hoof
Bruises can & will develop into abscess' if left unattended.
Regular Grooming Blanketed Horses
DO NOT FORGET, when your horse is blanketed, he has GOT to be groomed daily, or the build up of dead hair may make him sweat, and 'cause the hair to accumulate and attach like a pelt to the inside of the sheet/blanket, even to the point of sometimes removing a layer of skin with the blanket!
TOE, QUARTER, AND HEEL CRACKS
Each crack requires individual analysis with regard to the corrective treatment and shoeing. The general principle is to have the farrier or blacksmith use a toe clip on each side of the crack across it to prevent wall expansion and to lower the wall below the crack so it will not bear weight causing spreading of the crack. Plastics can be used to seal the crack and corrective staples can be used to prevent expansion and contraction of the crack during movement of the horse.
Getting/Keeping Long White Hair
Colin Hi!
The best ingredient to encourage hair growth is Farrier's Formula. This will encourage the Clydes to become wild and woolly with hair.
To whiten, use first dish detergent concentrated on the legs, only the white areas. Do two shampoos/rinses.
In the third Shampoo, use a Color Treated Shampoo for Whites or Greys (from the Beauty Supply) and add a tablespoon of Mrs. Stewart's Blueing to the Shampoo Mixture. Since it is for Horses, increase the ratio of the soap content.
Use conditioner as required.
If the horse is not going to be shown, in the final conditioner rinse; add an eighth of a cup of Baby Oil to the conditioning rinse. Make the rinse conditioner mixture: 3 parts conditioner to 8 parts water, with an eighth of a cup of baby oil. Leave in. The Baby Oil will help the hair to NOT absorb the dirt and manure that the horse walks through on a daily basis.
With the oil, shampoo, only as it feels as though the oil is drying out of the coat; unless you need to shampoo for a show.
Untangling Heavy Duty Matts
If your horses mane or tail is tangeled and dull just rub a little baby-oil on to a comb, and then comb through. This will leave your mane and tail tangle free and have a shiny apperance. Be careful not to overdo, or you will have a greasy feeling mane/tail.
How To Pick Up Horses Feet
A handy reference pamphlet called Horse Foot Care by Dr. Doug Butler ASIN: 0916992047 Go to Products, and there is a link to Amazon, and this ASIN # will link you to the book. Just Cut/Paste the ASIN# link.
This book is a pictoral of the proper way to pick up each of the horse's feet to ensure that you are not stepped on or kicked.
Prevention of Hoof Corns
Prevention is in proper & regular shoeing. Shoes should be re-set every 6 - 8 weeks, unless wearing therapeutic shoes, which the Veterinarian will advise the Farrier & you as to the frequency needed for re-setting.
Keeping White & Greys Stain Free!
Do you own a White, Grey, Palomino, Buckskin, Pinto that you would like to keep stain free from urine, manure, grass, etc.?
Simply add 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to the daily grain ration. The stains will brush right off of the coat once they have dried.
That means that if you arrive at the barn, and your horse has slept in his droppings, or had a nap during the day at pasture, once the moisture from those stains has dried, the stain will easily brush from the coat with any market body brush.....no need to use a dandy brush, or a mud brush, a simple body or face brush will do the trick! No need to "body wrap" those light colored horses any more!
Applying Hoof Polish For Shows
If you want to give the polish a better adherance, then use a fine sandpaper to lightly remove the stains caused from manure and past arena surfaces. Once sanded, use cotton soaked in nailpolish remover to remove the dust particles. Then use soap and water to remove the polish remover. Allow the hooves to dry thoroughly (overnight) before applying the polish. For an added gloss in painting the feet, apply a coat of clear hoof gloss over top of the black gloss, once the black gloss has had time to thoroughly dry first. Always paint white hooves with the clear, even if they are two or multistriped. Apply black to the black areas, and clear to the white areas. This really does present a more natural effect.
Short Tail Braid
Start the braid at the base of the dock. Simply braid as you would your own hair. Use a "braiding elastic band" on the end. Take the elastic end and bring it through the braid about three inches below the dock (tail bone). Repeatedly looping the elastic end through the braid, only three or so inches below the dock. You do not have to use a new location ever time you loop through. When finished, you will have up to three loops of the braid. Keep each loop no longer than the length of the dock itself, once you have finished.
You can use an old pair of ladies pantyhose (cut off one of the legs...save the other leg for another time). Draw the pantyhose leg up over the braid.
I use Electrical tape at the bottom (but duct tape works great too), below the finished braid end to secure the pantyhose (at first you may want to secure the pantyhose off of the braid before taping with an elastic band); and then I use Electrical tape at the top of the braid, but MAKE SURE THAT THE TAPE IS NOT ON THE DOCK OF THE TAIL, and wrap it securely overtop of the pantyhose.
When you go to ride, take the braided/pantyhosed tail and fold it onto the top or bottom of the dock of the tail. Take a tail bandage, and securely, but loosely, wrap the braided part of the tail to the dock of the tail. This will keep your horse's tail up so that it is no longer than the dock.
Applying Hoof Polish B-4 Horse Shows
When using hoof polish, apply when readying for the ring; after all warm-ups. Each coat of polish takes 15/20 minutes to dry thoroughly. For an added gloss in painting the feet, apply a coat of clear hoof gloss over top of the black gloss, once the black gloss has had time to thoroughly dry first. Always paint white hooves with the clear, even if they are two or multistriped. Apply black to the black areas, and clear to the white areas. This really does present a more natural effect.
Application of Liniments
Due to the heat producting qualities of liniments, be careful to dilute before application to avoid blistering the leg.
Choosing A Farrier
Look for any changes in gait, extension, placement after shoeing in horses done by a particular Farrier.
When prospecting a Farrier, go and view several horses at different locations that he has shod. Ask the owners for their comments and if they noticed any changes. Good & Bad.
Ask Local Veterinarians (or the staff) if they can recommend Farriers.
Ask recommendations from particular disciplines similar to what you are wanting to compete with your horse at.
Contact Farrier Schools (the school however often will only say whether or not a student passed the course and is certified).
Ask the Farrier, when & where he/she attends clinics or seminars or further training. Ask where they received their education and experience. Ask for Trade References.
Be Sure You & Your Horse Are Happy, even simply throwing shoes before the 6-8 wk. reshoe is often the result of sloppy/incorrect shoeing!
All Leg Bandaging
Unless otherwise specifically recommended by your Veterinarian in that specific application, NEVER, EVER leave a Leg Bandage on over 12 hours.
Why Does A Horse Stumble?
Stumbling can be for many reasons. The most prevalent are:
a) Improper shoeing or trimming.
b) Hooves are too long in length. (When trimmed should not exceed 4" in length from the coronet band to the sole; unless, long footed Show Horses in a Show Barn~!)
c) Lazy, unattentive horse.
d) Imbalance in diet, ie: too high protein content, and causing a "Protein Drunk" effect.
Regular Exercise & Maintenance
Regular exercise on a daily basis is necessary for the horse to keep the blood circulating; the digestive tract operating smoothly; the circulatory system functioning; and the muscle condition toned.
In the wild, horses spend almost equal amounts of time running from predators, grazing, resting.
In order for the design of their internal systems, they should be fed regularly, exercised daily, hoofs trimmed regularly, shots & wormings done regularly.
Cleaning An Opened Hoof Abscess
Soak the foot in HOT epsom salts & water, to encourage drainage & disinfecting the opening. Apply a germicide to kill the bacteria (preventing further infection) and dry out the wound opening with packing materials (such as DRY J Cloths). Pack with a poulticing material to assist in drainage. Change at least daily after the first 3/4 days. Have the Farrier apply a Pad between the hoof & shoe (if required or necessary).
Flat Fullered Shoes
Flat Fullered Shoes are usually applied to Trail Horses or horse ridden in Hog Fuel Arenas.
Shoeing Weanlings/Yearlings/2 Yr. Olds
Weanlings can be shod, but it is recommended that you remove the shoes off of weanlings, yearlings and 2 yr. olds from November through March in order to provide some relief; BUT/and except if the horse has such soft feet that further damage would result from having the shoes removed.
Hot Shoeing
Hot Shoeing improves the fit & security of the shoe to the hoof. Hot Shoeing allowes for a more uniform fit. Hot Shoeing helps to seal the white line area as a form of preventative protection from infection in this area.
Trimming of Horse's Feet
Horse's feet should be trimmed every 6 - 8 wks. unless under recommendation from a Veterinarian to do so differently (usually due to the wearing of Therapeutic Shoes).
Horses under three years should be trimmed every 4 wks. due to the rapid growth of hoof, and the necessity of their hoof maintaining balance & shape.
The hoof must be trimmed to maintain balance, & the function of the hoof.
Hoof Design & Structure & Requirements.
The design of the Horse's Hoof is to support the weight of the body, resist wear, replenish/grow, absorb shock/concussion (saving the leg), provide traction.
The hoof requires sufficient moisture (such as oil, balsam, pine tar) and exercise to increase circulation of blood. Hooves must be trimmed regularly.
Prevention of Hoof Bruising
Usually horses that bruise easily should wear pads between the hoof & the shoe. Be sure ALWAYS that if your horse wears pads, that the flooring in his paddock, stall & elsewhere do not get wet enough that the moisture can come between the pad & the sole of the hoof!
Benefits of Braces/Liniments
Braces/Liniments stimulate circulation & temporarily increase inflammation.
The Increased circulation flushes out toxins & bring in a surplus of healthy blood cells & oxygen which are necessary for restoration & superficial treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments.
Sand Cracks In Hooves
Sand Cracks, Quarter Cracks are vertical cracks in the hoof wall. Can be either partial from coronary band down or from bottom of the foot upwards.
These can be superficial and insignificant or deep and serious causing tremendous pain & creating infection.
Weighted Shoes
Weighted shoes with trailers are generally used on the gaited breeds of horses. This assists them in balance and in delaying the forward action of the rear hooves so that the rear hooves do not interfere with the front hooves.
The Sole of The Hoof
The sole of the Horse's Hoof protects the internal components from injury.
Farrier 1st Aid Kit W/In A Barn
A Farrier First Aid Kit within your barn should include the following items:
Hoof Pick w/brush attachment.
Shoe Pullers.
Nail Cutters.
Hoof Knife.
Rasp.
Clinch Cutter.
Hoof Hammer.
Clinchers.
Hoof Oil, Balsam or Pine Tar and an applicator brush.
Koppertox or Kopper Kare.
Poultice Material.
Epsom Salts.
Peroxide.
Bleach/Javex.
Easy Boot or Poultice Boot.
Vetrap.
Duct Tape.
J Cloths.
Betadine Scrub.
Resource Information for Shoeing
Excellent Reference Manual is the Principles of Horseshoeing II. Go To Amazon, and Buy On-Line~!
Well worth every penny of the price!
Grooming For Trophy/Medal Shows
There is no alternative in this life that substitutes for a daily full and complete brushing with a curry, then a stiff bristle brush, then a soft body/face brush and finally with a towel finish that can be coated with a fly spray. Supplements to the diet will help good grooming, but nothing will replace it in the overall look of your horse. Remember time spent with your horse that is not "performance" oriented, but is TLC, is valued tremendously by your horse, and can be rewarded by your horse by his performances in the ring for you.
Role of The Lamina of the Hoof
The Lamina joins hoof wall to coffin bone. This enables the weight to transfer from bone to hoof structure.
Clipping
Some Clipping Tips:
1) Clean the Horse first (preferably a soap bath, once dry, spray with Show Sheen.
2) Clean clippers, blades, towels, clipper kool, clipper oil, blade wash, extension cord, step stool, and an assistant.
3) Either chalk or masking tape pattern on the horse's body first. Saddle areas, use a patterned pad (ie: AP or CC or Dressage). Other clips, premark the length of your blanket on the sides, chest, front and the rear legs. Try not to clip below this line (except the belly area you will have to).
4) Apply bands to the mane area below the bridle path, and put a tail wrap on the top of the tail.
5) Step back and walk around, making sure that all areas are even...front (both sides) and back (both sides) and sides.
6) Clip seasoned horses in the sensitive areas first while the clippers are cool. Once they begin to get warm, then clip in the heavier muscled areas and the bridle path region.
7) Have coolers to cover clipped areas while you work.
Liniments As A Fungicide
Often Liniments contain fungicides. Apply a diluted mixture liberally to any areas that have a fungus or fungus-like region.
Shoes With Clips
Toe Clip Shoes are used generally on the front feet, and for Hunters, Jumpers, Polo, Gymkhana, Racing or Game type horses.
Treatment of Abscess'
An abscess must erupt to drain & dry out. Often will erupt through the coronary band region. For an abscess to heal, an opening must be made, drain abscess, flush/clean it out, pack it. Repeat several times daily for three/four days.
Application/Placement of Shoes
Shoes need to be flush with the toe area of the hoof. Shoes need to extend past the heels of the hoof for support of the heel area & to cover & to protect the buttress area of the heel.
Hoof Bruises Description & Causes
Hoof Bruising can occur as the result of concussion to the sole of the hoof.
Can result from walking on stones, gravel or other hard or irregular surfaces.
Proper Hoof Care Preceeding Trophy Shows
Daily oiling of the feet will keep the hooves in great condition, that if you choose to paint the feet for the show ring, the products used won`t damage a well oiled and cared for hoof.
How To Clean Hooves
The best instrument is a Hoof Pick with a brush attached. You apply pressure by gripping the back of the lower part of the leg you want to pick up. As the horse lifts the leg to move it, you pick it up by using the near side hand to come from between the two legs, and cup the ankle in your near side hand. Using the offside hand, brush the dirt & debris from the hoof. Using the pointed pick section, scrape the remainder of the dirt from the hoof. Make sure to completely clean the frog area (diamond shaped area at the back of the foot on the bottom), and the bars of the frog that run through the sole of the hoof on the bottom. These are the two areas most prone to hoof problems, and should be cleaned out at least on a once a day basis.
Square Toed Shoes
Square Toed Shoes are generally used on the hind feet. They protect the front heels from the rear hoof overreaching & scalping the front heel by increasing the rear foot breakover action.
Hot Leg Poultices
Hot Leg Poultices draw out infection by increasing blood flow to a specific area.
Rate of Growth of Hoof
The hoof grows about one half inch per month, with the greatest growth rate occurring in the Spring & Summer; and in younsters under 5 yrs.
Treatment of Sand/Toe Cracks
Can not heal together. Must be immobilized by shoes or application of plastics by a Knowledgeable FARRIER.
Sand/Toe Cracks Causing Pain
Sand or Toe cracks that spread/open as the hoof bears weight & increases pain as the opposite hoof is raised off of the ground.
Role of The Frog of the Horse's Hoof
The role of the Frog of the Horse's Hoof is to act as a shock absorber, and a traction pad.
Hoof Corns
Corns are bruises within the heel of the hoof. Usually caused from leaving on a shoe that has too short of a heel, for too long. The heels of the hoof must be protected by the shoe. A too short shoe, will cause corns, which ARE VERY painful to a horse.
"The Pulled Mane Look"
A pulled mane look is when the mane is even in length; short (no longer than 3 inches) yet long enough to lay flat; and is sufficiently thinned in order to appear neat and attractive whether or not the mane has been braided or left combed and free of braids or bands.
Products For Braiding Manes
when you braid your horse`s mane, do not use conditioners such as show sheen which make the mane slick and hard to work with. In stead try using a product made just for braiding manes such as quick-braid.
When To Shoe A Horse
You don't need to put shoes on horses unless they are damaging or wearing the feet down and that necessitates shoes being put on. If they have tough and hard feet, then shoes shouldn't be necessary.
If the foot starts to spread in width at the base, in such a manner as to become splay footed, or chips, or cracks, or bruises, then you must shoe the horse.
Braids For 2001 Show Season
With fall upon us, most areas the show season is closing...I guess south of the Equador, things are just getting started, but Horse Tips focus' is on coordinating North of the Equador.
So start practising NOW for the 2001 Show Season. Can you, or do you know someone that French Braids?
Have them sit on your horse, (utilizing carrots, cut the carrots into 1" sections, and feed him/her while your friend FRENCH BRAIDS his/her mane from the forlock back down to the wither. The mane must be VERY thinned down, yet not quite as short as for a regular braided mane. This type of braiding, if done correctly LOOKS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC finished. You have got to sit on the horse at the top of the wither to do it in order to have it run perfectly straight down the mane. So GET PRACTISING NOW FOR SPRING!!!!!!
For A Roughed Look Body Coat
To get a soft and shiney look, brush the hair forward with a hard brush and then brush it back downwith a soft or dandy brush. Then lightly spray show sheen.
Rocker Toed Shoes
Rocker Toed Shoes extend the wear & most effectively ease the breakover action of the front/rear foot.
Role of The White Line Region of The Hoof
The White Line region is the buffer zone between the hoof wall & the sole of the foot.
Concave Fullered Shoes
Concave Fullered Shoes are used on horses ridden Cross Country or on dirt or turf surfaces. Screw in studs or calks are available for added traction on these uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces.
Description of a Hoof Abscess
A hoof abscess is a pus pocket of infection within the hoof. Usually within the sole or white line region.
Usually results from punctures, thrush, bruising or laminitis.
Any opening within the sole or the white line region, or a unnatural expansion of hoof will allow bacteria to enter the hoof and form an abscess.
Braces/Liniments/Poultices
Braces/Liniments/Poultices should NOT be used on turned out horses, but on horses that will be stalled, or have very limited/restricted exercise.
Beneficial Moisture For Horses Hooves/Hoof Oils
Ground seepage moisture, rain, etc. is damaging to horse's hooves. Hoof Oil, Balsam or Pine Tar is beneficial to Horses' Hooves due to the adding of the oil acting as a preventative to the damage from water moistures. Depending upon the situation, hoof oil should be applied at least once a day to prevent against rain, humidity or sand surfaces.
Hoof Oils also protects the hoof from damaging drying surfaces such as sand
Horses Prone To Stocking Up
When a horse is prone to stocking up (usually due to lack of exercise), such as when stalled at night.
Sponge diluted liniment generously on legs.
Wrap with a standing cotton wrap.
Secure with a standing bandage.
Leave on overnight, or when stalled.
Thin or Weak Hooves
Horses with thin or weak hooves can be shod with Toe Clips to provide added support to the hoof.
Use Diatomaceous Earth to Control Flies and Ticks
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made up of the fossilized shells of microscopic sea creatures. Over time, it fractures and basically becomes the equivalent of miniature fragments of broken glass. Food grade DE is harmless to larger creatures, including all mammals, but it is lethal to insects like flies and ticks.
DE can be used two ways to aid in fly and tick control. Lightly dusted over your horse’s coat, it will act as a repellant. It doesn’t take much, a light dusting is all. If you are creating a cloud of white powder, that is too much. One way to apply DE is to fill an old sock and gently tap it all over the horse.
Diatomaceous earth works because it is very sharp and abrasive. As an insect comes into contact, the sharp edges slice at the insect’s exoskeleton. The small pieces also work their way into exposed areas, like joints and other soft parts. This isn’t an instant killer, but it usually leads to death for the flies and ticks. Not only does it keep them off the horse, but any that do land on your horse will be killed, helping, at least a little bit, to population control.
This won’t necessarily stop the flies from landing on your horse, but they won’t stay long enough to bite or sting. Ticks are a little tougher than flies, but a regular program of applying DE should keep new ticks from becoming attached and should eventually kill any existing ticks.
DE can also be added to feed to control parasites. As an added benefit to this organic worming program, it is passed unabsorbed through the digestive system and is deposited in the horse’s manure, where it keeps all of its abrasive properties. Flies that land on the manure are injured and killed. It can also help prevent fly larvae from growing in the manure in the first place. All of this will drastically reduce the fly population.
One very important note: Be sure to buy food grade DE. The DE sold as pool filtering material, for example, has been heat processed and is toxic to animals and humans when eaten.
Corrections For Stumbling
This is more of an aggravating problem, and can only be dangerous, if stemming from faulty shoeing/trimming, or if from a "Protein Drunk". The shoeing problem can be corrected by inquiring from others as to farriers that have corrected the problem in other horses. The "Protein" high, needs IMMEDIATE diet remedy~!
Titanium Shoes
Aluminum or Titanium Shoes are usually used on Hunters, Jumpers and Racehorses.
