Aspen arrived here on Feb 14 2023. She is a 6 year old Quarter Horse that was purchased by a previous client. Aspen was professionally trained and started and the client bought her as a confidence builder. As it turned out, shortly after purchasing her Aspen started bucking quite dramatically when saddled. She was sent to a trainer who suspected the issues were pain related, and then the vet was called. The vet took radiographs of her back and legs and the diagnosis he came up with was boney growths on the suspensory branch attachment points likely caused by Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), an ultrasound was not done to confirm as he thought the radiographs were conclusive enough. When she arrived she was not lame, and had no visible swellings, but her owner did express she had some hind end lameness issues previously with the right hind being the worst. While I definitely don't disbelieve the vet's diagnosis, I also see a few issues that could be contributing to her condition as well as causing their own problems. I also think that you could x-ray many sound horses and find boney changes and suspensory issues that are underlying that may not be an immediate concern. My first concern with Aspen's hooves are the long toe and weak caudal hoof. I would like to see a shorter toe, a more tightly connected hoof wall and and more vertical heel. Her heels are under run and likely creating negative plantar angles on the hinds. Her frogs and digital cushions are also not as robust as they could be. From a behavioral standpoint I have only worked with Aspen twice as of this writing. The first time was to trim her, and she was quite anxious and stiff to work with. We did some groundwork and I took my time releasing when she was cooperative and trying to get as much done as I could. Below are the pics from that trim. It is not the perfect trim I would like, but it's the one we were able to get done though her anxiety. Since the trim I have worked with her again and she was much calmer, though does show a lot of anxiety through her stiff, fast movement and restrictions through her rib cage. I am excited to get to know her as she settles in here and see what unfolds for her. So far she seems sound and fairly physically capable, though a bit unbalanced and anxious. The video below the pics was shot on February 24 2023 as she ran the track system to catch up with the herd.
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The following video shows a barefoot trim on Mustang, a previously wild horse. He has huge strong frogs and digital cushions, and very thick hoof wall. This video shows the trim on the front hooves only. This first video shows the trimming of a pretty well maintained "vertical" bar. The second video shows bar that is a bit more "overlaid" or "embedded" and how I would trim them differently. I try not to get too hung up on the "type" of bars, but instead just try to trim the bar to match the solar concavity and to allow the bar to function as it should - to help structure the shape of the back of the hoof and the collateral grooves. .
A horse's hooves are a window into their overall health, and a well-executed barefoot trim can significantly contribute to their well-being. One of the key indicators of a successful barefoot trim is the natural wear patterns that emerge over time. In this post, we'll explore the signs of natural hoof wear and what they reveal about your horse's hoof health. 1. Even Wear Across the Hoof A healthy barefoot trim promotes even wear across the entire hoof. When the weight is evenly distributed, it prevents the development of imbalances that can lead to discomfort and lameness. Check your horse's hooves regularly for signs of symmetry in wear. 2. Smooth and Rounded Edges Well-maintained hooves exhibit smooth and rounded edges. Rough or jagged edges may indicate uneven wear, and addressing this promptly can prevent issues such as chipping and cracking. 3. Sole Callusing Natural hoof wear often results in the development of calluses on the sole. These calluses act as a protective layer, providing additional support and resilience to the hoof. A barefoot trim that encourages the development of calluses contributes to the overall toughness of the hoof. 4. Frog Engagement A healthy barefoot trim pays attention to the frog, allowing it to make ground contact. This engagement is crucial for shock absorption and circulation. A well-trimmed frog should have a consistent texture and should not be overly recessed or protruding. 5. Consistent Stride Length Observe your horse's movement. A horse with a healthy barefoot trim will likely have a consistent stride length, and will land heel first. If you notice changes in stride, toe first landings or any signs of lameness, it may be an indication that the trim needs adjustment.
In conclusion, understanding the signs of natural hoof wear is essential for assessing the success of a barefoot trim. Regular monitoring, coupled with a knowledgeable barefoot trimmer, can ensure that your horse's hooves remain strong, balanced, and resilient. Remember, each horse is unique, and the rate of wear can vary. Consult with a qualified barefoot trimmer to develop a trimming schedule tailored to your horse's individual needs. By paying attention to the signs of natural hoof wear, you contribute to the overall health and happiness of your equine companion. Winter can transform the landscape into a beautiful wonderland, but for barefoot horses, it can present unique challenges. With a pro-barefoot mindset and strategic care, you can ensure your equine friend not only survives but thrives in winter conditions.
The Winter Impact on Barefoot Hooves Moisture Imbalance Embrace the natural moisture regulation capabilities of barefoot hooves. The wetter weather in winter can provide moisture to the hoof that is lost during the dry season. A little bit of moisture is a good thing, too much and we can start to see a weakening of the tubules or potentially a thrush invasion of the frog. Consider products like Artimud to combat or prevent thrush, and Stronghorn to harden the sole if too much moisture is a problem. Slippery Surfaces Turn the tables on slippery surfaces with the added traction of bare hooves. Regular trimming keeps excess length at bay, reducing snow balling up in the hoof. For an extra boost, explore the world of Cavallo Trek hoof boots designed to provide grip without compromising the natural flexibility of the hoof. Boots and composite shoes can be studded for more traction when riding. Proactive Winter Hoof Care: A Barefoot Approach Regular Trims A well-maintained barefoot trim supports the hooves in facing winter challenges head-on. A shorter trim cycle to avoid excess length that will allow snow to ball up is key. If your horse lives on hard, frozen, Icey ground, consider leaving an 1/8th of an inch of extra heel height to provide some extra vertical depth in the hoof. Balanced Diet for Resilient Hooves Feed your horse a nutrient-rich diet to fortify their hooves from within. Adequate nutrition not only supports overall health but enhances the natural resilience of barefoot hooves. Horses need vitamin e in their diet and they get it by grazing on fresh grass or from hay. Did you know that hay loses up to 70% of it's vitamin e content during drying? If your horse doesn't get to graze on pasture during winter, consider supplementing vitamin e in their diet. Hoof Boot Bliss Hoof boots aren't just an accessory, they can provide much needed protection from hard, icy ground. You can use pads inside the boots to help thin soled horses, and studs if needed for better traction. Pro tip: use felt pads, Artimud and Gold Bond Foot powder inside your horse's boots to wick away moisture from the frog to prevent thrush. Active Lifestyle Advantage Maintain a consistent exercise routine. Movement stimulates blood flow, promoting natural hoof health and resilience. Your barefoot horse is designed to move, and winter shouldn't stand in the way. Even light riding or hand walking to keep your horse moving will help. I embrace winter here in Canada and use it to refine my bareback riding and focus on foundational elements of training such as in hand work and really perfecting lateral movements at the walk. Hydration Happiness Ensure your horse stays hydrated, even in colder weather. Proper hydration is the secret weapon in maintaining the strength and flexibility of barefoot hooves. I offer my horses slightly warm water after winter workouts and often will add a dash of apple cider vinegar or unsweetened apple sauce to encourage my horses to drink more. I also like to add a bit of warm water to their grain/supplements in wintertime to increase hydration. Conclusion: Barefoot and Bold in Winter Winter with barefoot hooves is not a challenge to be feared but an adventure waiting to be embraced. Often the snowy landscape offers a reprieve from the muddy season, and helps to keep those furry winter coats clean and fluffy! Empower your horse to not only weather winter but to revel in it. And just think, less snow balls in their hooves, and cleaner coats leads to more time riding and less time grooming! Cheers to a winter of happy, healthy hooves and the joy of barefoot living! I get asked this question often from horse owners. Let's talk Quarter Flare to start. There are two issues that can cause the quarter to flare, first is mechanical stress placed on the hoof itself, the second is metabolic stress. In a healthy hoof, the bond or interdigitation of the sensitive lamina to the insensitive lamina is tight. This connection is the white/golden line we see on the bottom of the hoof. The golden line is formed by the terminal papillae's around the rim edge of the coffin bone as they secrete a flexible type of keratin. This keratin (golden line) acts like a silicone bond between the two structures of lamina. Flexibility is key, as the insensitive lamina grows down and past the sensitive lamina that stays attached to the coffin bone itself. Because this bond must be flexible/elastic to join these two structures, it is the weakest part of the horse's hoof. This bond can be broken by mechanical stresses put on the hoof. Mechanical stress is created when the hoof is allowed to grow too long, decreasing the ability of the frog to perform its role of providing support in the rear/center of the hoof, which then causes the full weight of the horse to push down on the hoof wall (peripheral loading). The weight and loading of the hoof wall can cause a great deal of leverage on the golden line which is how the quarter flare starts. As the wall moves away or flares, the golden line must stretch to cover the increasing distance between the two laminae. If the stress continues due to a long trim cycle or improper trimming, the golden line can break down, leading to the separation of the wall from the sole. When this separation happens, the golden line expands to cover this distance (lamellar wedge). To treat quarter flare caused by mechanical stress a shorter trimming cycle should be implemented with regular maintenance trimming being performed every 2-3 weeks, allowing the frog and heels, to bear the primary impact of the footfall and not the hoof wall. Metabolic Stress is a breakdown at the cellular level of the hoof. Systemic metabolic conditions such as stress, insulin dysregulation, PPID, obesity, mineral imbalance, dietary imbalance, or infection can cause a weakness within the cells of the hoof. This breakdown can cause issues within the hooves and the ability to create and maintain the strong bond between the laminae. Signs of metabolic conditions that show up in the hoof can be slow growth, angle changes to the hoof wall, brittleness, ridges, and fine line cracks in the hoof wall. What is White Line Disease? Any weaknesses of the lamellar attachment can lead to microscopic openings for fungi and bacterial microbes to gain entry which can lead to infection. This infection can result in large cracks and chips, and separation as the golden line (the “silicone” that joins the sole and hoof wall) gets “eaten” away. As this bond weakens and if any metabolic conditions, improper trimming techniques or long trimming cycles are not addressed and corrected this can lead to the development of White Line Disease (seedy toe) in the hoof. The best defense against White Line Disease is prevention! Do not let the hoof wall peripherally load the hoof, and make sure any wall leverage is kept to a minimum with a good balanced trim and trim schedule. If you see a small cavity or separation in the golden line, make sure to first address the leverage that likely caused it, and second treat the area topically to prevent the microbes from taking over. My favorite treatment for non-invasive separation is to gently remove any debris from the area and to apply Artimud into any cracks or crevices that are present. For serious, invasive (more than a few mm of separation) cases of white line disease that are eating up into the area, I soak the hoof twice weekly with White Lightning, a liquid soaking solution first and then treat topically with Artimud for turnout. Remember, quarter flaring, separation, and white line disease are all secondary conditions that are caused by leverage or a weakness within the hoof. First, address the cause of the weakness, and you will likely resolve the secondary issues. Product Application Video - Sole Cleanse, Artimud, and Hoof Stuff Thrush is a common hoof condition in horses that affects the frog and can have serious consequences to the health of the hoof. It is caused by a fungal and/or bacterial infection and is more common during wetter weather. Thrush can create a foul-smelling chalkiness on the frog and in the collateral grooves, and can impact the shape and size of the frog. In severe cases thrush can infect the digital cushion of the hoof, this is a sensitive, shock absorbing structure in the rear of the hoof that is responsible for dissipating the impact vibrations during movement!
Here's some helpful information on the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of thrush in horse hooves: Symptoms: 1. Foul Odor: One of the most noticeable signs of thrush is a strong, unpleasant odor emanating from the frog or collateral grooves when you pick the hoof out. This odor is caused by the fungus and/or bacteria and decaying tissue. 2. Black or Gray Discharge: Thrush often leads to a black or gray, moist discharge in the central sulcus of the frog or in the deepest parts of the collateral grooves. This discharge may also be accompanied by a cottage cheese-like consistency. 3. Sensitivity and Lameness: Horses with thrush may become sensitive or lame, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected area. They may show discomfort when picking out the affected hoof and an inability to load the back of the hoof during motion - resulting in toe first landings. 4. Changes in Hoof Appearance: As thrush progresses, it can cause the frog to become soft and spongy. In severe cases, the frog may even develop deep crevices or cavities. Treatment: Treatment of thrush in horse hooves involves several steps: 1. Cleaning: Begin by cleaning the affected hoof thoroughly. Use a hoof pick to carefully remove dirt, debris, and any loose or decayed tissue from the frog. Using the Sole Cleanse product after this process helps to disinfect the frog and sole prior to packing with Artimud or Hoof Stuff. 2. Topical Treatments: Various topical treatments are available, such as Artimud, which is formulated to treat minor thrush and work as a preventative, and Hoof Stuff, which is formulated for deep central sulcus cracks. Using the Artimud product provides lasting protection against damage. It contains naturally active agents that eliminate bacteria and fungi and promote the formation of healthy tissue. It can be reapplied on a daily basis. For the deeper crevices in the central sulcus, Hoof Stuff is the best choice as it will stay in place with its cotton fibers, zinc oxide and honey base. For best results top the Hoof Stuff with Artimud! 3. Proper Trimming: Regular trimming and maintenance of the hooves are essential to prevent the accumulation of debris and provide better aeration to the frog. For more info on proper trimming and how to evaluate your horse's trim consider our Online Hoof Anatomy, Theory and Barefoot trimming Course. 4. Dry Environment: Ensure that the horse's living environment is clean, dry, and well-maintained. Mud and moisture can contribute to the development of thrush. Prevention: Preventing thrush is key to maintaining hoof health: 1. Regular Hoof Maintenance: Schedule regular hoof trims every 4 weeks with your trimmer to keep the hooves in good shape and prevent the accumulation of debris. 2. Clean and Dry Environment: Ensure that the horse's stall, paddock, and pasture are clean and free of standing water or mud. Proper drainage can help keep hooves dry. 3. Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet to promote overall hoof health. Adequate nutrition is essential for strong hooves. 4. Regular Exercise: Encourage your horse to move and exercise regularly, as this helps with blood circulation and hoof health. 5. Routine Checkups: Regularly inspect your horse's hooves for signs of thrush, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. 6. Hoof Boots: Consider using hoof boots if your horse is prone to thrush or has sensitive hooves. These can help protect the hooves from moisture and debris. If you suspect your horse has thrush or if the condition persists despite your efforts, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or farrier for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your horse's specific needs. This Arabian mare came to us in the early summer of 2022 in hopes that we could improve her comfort and hoof health. She has been foundered long term and was suffering from acute and frequent bouts of laminitis when she arrived. She was very overweight and showed the classic signs of being insulin resistant. We immediately changed her diet to low sugar hay only, and we trimmed and applied the Easyshoe Versa Grip Lights with 11 Finger Tabs. I applied these with DIM and Artimud. This is my usual favorite composite shoe package. I will be using these until her new hoof wall grows in and the sole can start developing some concavity. The shoes support the frog and digital cushion while providing protection and "artificial concavity" to the sole. The DIM provides a cushion to absorb impact and also works to keep debris from getting in-between shoe and the hoof. A thick layer of Artimud between the DIM and the hoof keep the hoof clean and fungus free. Throughout her rehab here she has been intermittently sore, but overall shows signs of improvement. We also had her tested for PPID and the results were borderline high, and inconclusive but we chose to treat with Prescend and the results have been great. Her laminitis has subsided and she is growing in connected hoof wall, which was otherwise not possible. She has also lost an incredible amount of weight and actually almost appears too skinny, though I would rather her be a tad bit underweight until her hooves grow in more connected and can better support her. September 11 2022 Video UpdateSeptember 11 2022 trim/shoeing photos |
AuthorKristi Luehr is a barefoot trimmer/farrier, author, and founder of the Okanagan School of Natural Hoof Care. She is certified by the Canadian Farrier School as well as the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care, and also has certification in equine massage and dentistry. Her focus is to educate owners about hoof anatomy, function and proper barefoot trimming that supports and grows healthy and functional hooves specific to each horse's individual needs. She is the author of three online courses specific to hoof care and is always striving to create more educational content for students to learn from. Archives
January 2024
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