As the rain and bad weather is replaced with sunshine we can finally say goodbye to all of those problems associated with wet winter conditions such as Thrush and Sheared Heels, but is this the end of problems or are we simply exchanging them for new ones?
Our summers are getting hotter for longer and the ground is becoming increasingly hard for many months of the year. The weather can change dramatically causing the ground to dry quickly leaving hard ridges in what were poached fields.
This article looks at the problems that your horse may face during the summer months, and suggests how each of these conditions can be avoided or treated.
The horses hoof is made from tough but flexible material, which has the ability to absorb and expel water naturally. The external parts of the hoof are separated into four main parts
In the winter, problems in the hooves such as Thrush and Sheared Heals are due to saturation, creating a perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, which attack the already softened hooves.
In the summer the hooves dry out and become brittle, this combined with the concussive aspect of the harder ground results in problems.
If there is no moisture in the ground hooves will become dry. It is a common misconception that the application of hoof oil will prevent hooves from drying out when, in fact, hoof oil can create its own problems.
When oil is placed on to the hooves it creates a barrier stopping the hoof from absorbing and extracting water naturally. As a result this can actually increase hoof brittleness. Once hooves become brittle shoes can pull off, often tearing valuable horn, cracks can appear and the hoof wall can chip. Any kind of damage to the hoof wall creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can eat away at the exposed horn expanding holes and cracks.
A hoof application should be used daily in dry conditions, but it is important to choose one which provides moisture without preventing the natural flow of fluid in and out of the hoof wall. One such product is Fungatrol Hoof Dressing, which also has the added benefit of anti-fungal and anti- bacterial ingredients to protect soft exposed horn from additional damage.
The hoof hitting a hard uneven surface such as a rut in the field or a stone can cause trauma to the sole. Some horses have naturally softer soles than others, and along with flat-footed horses, will always be more prone to sole trauma. In these cases try and avoid fast work on hard uneven or stoney ground, pick out feet regularly and if possible roll uneven paddocks before they dry out to reduce the horse moving over hard ruts while grazing. If your horse becomes foot sore it maybe because there is a bruise or abscess present which your farrier can confirm and advise you on a course of action, which may include cutting away the sole to release pressure or applying of a hoof draw to the area. The most effective hoof draws on the market contain Ichthammol such as Equine America’s Black Draw.
Many horses have slow growing hooves, with certain breeds being more prone to the problem than others. A horse with slow growing hooves will be at a disadvantage when it comes to shoeing, as the shoes will wear quicker than fresh horn will grow making nailing the new shoe on more difficult. If slow growing hooves become cracked or damaged it will take considerably longer for the damage to grow out - the longer it takes the more likely it is for the damage to worsen.
If you have a horse with slow growing feet, choose a daily supplement rich in vitamins and minerals including Biotin, Methionine, Sulphur, Zinc and Vitamin B5 and B6 as well as amino acids and seaweed meal to encourage horn growth and condition.
Hoof supplements are produced in many different preparations including powders, liquids and pellets. Pellets, however, should be avoided as the temperatures required to create them have detrimental effects on the vitamin and mineral content which reduces the products performance.
A hoof will normally take 6 - 9 months to grow from coronet to toe, with slower growing horn taking up to a year for full growth to be seen. During this period an effective hoof supplement, such as Hoof Power Plus will still show an improvement in the existing horn as well as encouraging faster growth.
Laminitis has to be mentioned when discussing summer hoof care. Although this is a condition that can effect any horse at any time of the year there are more cases reported during the spring/summer months due to the increase in quality and quantity of grass available. Controlling diet and ensuring horses and ponies do not gorge themselves on grass is the first step in reducing the risk of laminitis. Careful management has to be given to horses or ponies that have already suffered an attack as well as those considered a higher risk, for example, overweight animals. Time should be taken to familiarise yourself with the normal temperature of your horse’s feet and the normal digital pulse reading, as an increase in either can be the early signs of a laminitic attack.
Along with careful management, feed supplements can be used to ensure correct levels of vitamin and minerals are met, without additional carbohydrates or starch. A broad spectrum supplement such as V-Biotic will provide these nutrients in a very small serving, making it easy to feed to horses even those on a restricted feeding regime. Specific supplements can also help to improve circulation, provide nutrition to sensitive structures of the hoof and to reduce any toxin build up in the hooves.
Lamigard is one such supplement, which can be, used daily during the high-risk season or all year round. This powerful and incredibly effective supplement is so gentle on the rest of the system it can even be fed to in foal mares.
Most of the problems highlighted in this article are generally faced during the summer months, but it should be remembered that hoof care is a continual process. The statement above is well recognised and one that should be adhered to. By combining the correct nutrition, a hoof ointment and management programme that allows you to spot any early signs of problems and ensure that your horse stays sound all year round.
If you have any continuing problems with your horses hooves or lameness, you should contact your veterinary surgeon, as there maybe an underlying problem that needs attention.