Appropriate palmar angles are integral to the health and well-being of horses. When the angle is too low, horses often have collapsed heels and elongated toes, leading to hoof capsule weakening and frequent loss of shoes.
With the knowledge of what keratin is and how it contributes to hoof function as a structural component of the hoof capsule in providing both strength and flexibility, it becomes quite evident as to why it is important for hoof health. Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by Banixx.
The coffin bone, also known as the pedal bone or the distal phalanx, is the bottommost bone within a horse’s leg, similar to the tip of a human finger. Although uncommon, coffin bone injuries are both serious and dangerous as the hoof capsule is shaped around this particular bone. To maintain horse health, it is important to provide proper hoof care and to take action if a horse develops a coffin bone injury.
Maintaining feet that can become compromised by the effects of climate and environment can be a tough challenge. What is your strategy for getting the client’s help in limiting the damage caused by heat and dampness?
Traditionally, this article presents hoof-care advice from farriers throughout the United States and Canada. For this Q&A, we had breakfast with a group of farriers who work around the Ocala, Fla., area. Combined, these farriers shoe a variety of horses ranging from backyard horses to high-end sport horses. They shared their thoughts on a common issue that farriers in their area — as well as those elsewhere — commonly face.
The Illustrated Horse’s Foot (A Comprehensive Guide) is the latest book by veterinary surgeon and researcher Christopher C. Pollitt. Released in December 2015 by Elsevier as a follow-up to Pollit’s renowned book, Color Atlas of the Horse’s Foot, which is no longer in print. This 272-page book is a must-have for all equine practitioners specifically all farriers and equine veterinarians.
Hall Of Fame farrier Bob Pethick discusses his upcoming 2016 International Hoof-Care Summit lecture on managing displaced heels and quarter cracks in the back half of the hoof capsule.
Midway, Ky., farrier Steve Norman gives much of the credit for his success to his mentor, the late Jack Reynolds. He says the legendary racehorse farrier showed him two ways to help Thoroughbreds.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
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 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.
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.