Hoof Nutrition IntelligenceHoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month website feature that zeroes in on specific areas of hoof nutrition. Below you will find the latest question-and-answer installments you can share with horse owners.

Below you will find Part 2 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: I’ve been feeding a hoof supplement for 3 months, but haven’t seen any noticeable improvement in the quality of the feet with my three horses. How do I know if the hoof supplement is working?

By Dr. Jim Ward

It’s frustrating to see hoof problems when you are doing everything right, such as feeding a balanced diet, offering regular hoof care and providing a suitable environment.

What you have to realize is that what you’re seeing today might have started 8, 9 or 12 months ago. It takes that long to grow a hoof. You might have the horse on a diet that is correct now, but the problems might just be showing up from previous times.

This item is condensed from a recent article on hoof nutrition in the American Quarter Horse Journal. Dr. Jim Ward, a 1965 graduate of Texas A&M University, is an equine management consultant for Cargill Inc, a position he has held since 2000. He is a member of the Cargill product development team and the Cargill equine enterprise team. He serves in a consultative and management role at Center Ranch, a cutting horse and cattle ranch located in Centerville, Texas.

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 1 of the February 1, 2017 installment: The veterinarian says one of my horses needs to put on a few more pounds. Any suggestions on how best to do this?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.