American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
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.
Acclimating to a Different World
When an OTTB is brought into…
Top Articles
Current Issue
Plenty of Hoof-Care Growth in 50 Years
Celebrating 2 Decades of Extraordinary Hoof-Care Learning
Butler’s Insights Hold Strong
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
American Farriers Journal is excited and honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publishing the hands-on magazine for hoof-care professionals. Learn more about our special edition, which comes out in December 2024.
Events
Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic
Date: 01/02/25
Location: Lansing, MI
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.