I’ve worked on many horses throughout my career that I just couldn’t seem to get to grow any heel on their low-heeled foot. If they did, they would crush it, or the base of the foot would be pushed forward. Using methods that are already widely accepted throughout the industry, I will offer a unique approach that could help improve these types of feet.
Every farrier faces complicated cases. Dr. Scott Morrison certainly has throughout his career. Based at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., his work comprises mainly Thoroughbred athletes, stallions, broodmares and foals.
Shoeing performance horses don’t require bells and whistles. Quite the contrary, says Lexington, Ky., farrier Bobby Menker.
“Just keep it simple,” he told attendees at the Wisconsin Equine Clinic & Hospital in Oconomowoc, Wis. “We start at the coronary band and then try to build a base all the way down. This is what I like to build for.”
Most people have experienced sore, aching feet at one point or another in their lives. After all, a 200-pound person exerts approximately 20 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure on the ground.
The stifle joint is one of the largest, complex hinge joints in the equine skeletal system. The role of the stifle joint ranges from locomotion, through to a fundamental role in the reciprocal apparatus in the pelvic limb.
Construction-grade (DAP) silicone has been used in farrier practices for over 30 years as a filler under pads with good success. At first, the set-up time could take as long as 24 hours and required some type of damming system like tape or putty to keep the silicone from leaking out the back side of the hoof and leaving a sticky mess. Now, with the new silicone materials, set-up time is 4 to 10 minutes and the development of putty-type materials allows a faster, much cleaner and more precise job.
Frog-support pads have become one of the most commonly used pads for therapeutic purposes since their introduction. They are now available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including in both egg bar and wedged-heel patterns.
Wouldn't it be great if all horses had correct, perfect or nearly perfect conformation? Then hooves could be easily shod and balanced, the horses would be sound and their owners would be pleased. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has spoiled this farrier dream. In the real world of horseshoeing, neither horses nor their hooves are perfect.
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.