American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Successful Hoof-care Strategies for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds
IHCS panel shares how they manage the challenges of former racehorses
Pictured Above: A panel consisting of Mike Stine (left) of Marshville, N.C.; Daniel Watson (center) of Marshall, Va.; and Sam Zalesky of Lexington, Ky.; recommend that clients have a prepurchase exam conducted before buying an off-the-track Thoroughbred. The exam will offer a clear picture of what can be expected to manage the horse now and into the future.
Farrier Takeaways
- Off-the-track Thoroughbreds come from a world without cross-ties and forges. They are often sedated during hoof care and rarely have turnout.
- These former racehorses are off-the-track for a reason. A pre-purchase exam will provide insight into the challenges that the horse has so the prospective owner can make an informed decision.
- Keeping shoes on thin-walled OTTBs can be a challenge. Glue-on shoes can be helpful to protect thin soles until a solid foot can be grown.
When a Thoroughbred’s racing days are over and has a new line of work, there’s a good chance that both the farrier and hoof-care client will face challenges.
The mounts often present with issues ranging from foot management and injuries to temperament, according to Mike Stine of Marshville, N.C.; Daniel Watson of Marshall, Va.; and Sam Zalesky, a resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. The trio of farriers discussed how they address these challenges during a panel discussion titled “Shoeing for Specific Needs: Managing Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds,” presented by Equilox at the 2020 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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