The front half of a horse’s hoof has been the center of trimming and shoeing discussions for quite some time. Specifically, finding the ideal breakover point has been the focus of countless conversations and endless training.
Lafayette, Ind., farrier Danvers Child points out that the vast majority of hoof issues occur in the back half of the foot, not the front.
Hoof cracks can occur anywhere on the hoof wall and are caused by improper mechanics, environmental extremes or pathology concerns that lead to hoof deformities that result in failure. Named for where they appear on the hoof wall, they include quarter cracks, heel cracks, bar cracks and toe cracks.
Quarter and heel cracks in the hoof, in most cases are the result of the medial-lateral imbalances of the hoof and limb. These cracks are coming from the perioplic ring down and can reach up to the lower edge of the hoof. Imbalance occurs due to poor limbs conformation, resulting weight horses cover hoof not evenly.
Farrier Jimmy Gore (Baton Rouge, La.) describes the trimming and shoeing of a broodmare that has a heel crack caused by a summer sore. Following the interview with Gore is some raw footage of the work being done.
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.
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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.