Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 1 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: I’d like to try to improve the hoof quality with my two horses. Where do I start?

By Milton Turner

A: A well-balanced diet is the first step in establishing good overall hoof health. Once the structure of the hoof is healthy and growing properly, then effective care can be used to maintain the health of the hoof. Yet many times owners do not know their horse’s hooves are deficient in nutrients.

As such, it is the farrier’s responsibility to address the issue with their clients and advocate good nutrition as well as proper hoof care. Doing so will result in much healthier hooves, make the farrier’s job easier (since healthy hooves are easier to work on) and strengthen the farrier and client relationship.

Milton Turner is a farrier and marketing consultant located in the Phoenix, Ariz., area.

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine). Absorbine

Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast. Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse owners around the world. Which is why, since 1892, we’ve been The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®.

Click here to read Part 2 of the June 15, 2016 installment: When it comes to adding antioxidant supplements to a horse’s ration, what are the benefits?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.