The main purpose of the foot is to reduce concussion and promote circulation, and the hard outer wall is required to protect the sensitive internal structures. Each hoof is shaped according to the stresses placed upon it. Horses in sandy environments have flatter feet. that are exposed to rocky terrain have a more concave sole and upright hoof wall. No hoof, no horse The importance of hoof care is often underestimated. It is vital to have good-quality dry bedding, good diet to promote healthy growth and adequate movement to increase mechanical stimulation and the blood supply to the foot. When the hoof bears weight, the downward force on the pedal (foot) bone causes the part of the hoof wall that touches the ground to spread.
The front two-thirds are prevented from spreading by the attachment of the hoof wall to the pedal bone. The back third of the hoof has the cartilages, bars and bulbs of the heel, which allow the foot to spread. The movement of the hoof wall is very important in preventing concussion and aiding circulation. The front feet are rounder than the hind feet. In a healthy normal animal both front feet should match and both hind feet should match, as uneven feet mean uneven weight-bearing. The importance of regular trimming cannot be overemphasised. A horse’s foot should be trimmed by a farrier every six weeks in winter and every four weeks in summer. If the foot cannot work correctly, then adverse changes will develop higher up in the body. Feeding 30g fenugreek every day will help promote a strong flexible hoof wall. Four-point shoeing and trimming.
This method of shoeing has developed from observing feral horses. The technique offers protection and enhances rapid growth of horn and sole: the entire hoof capsule can be replaced in six to eight months, as opposed to 12 to 14 months for other shoeing. With the four-point method the break-over point is forward of the apex of the frog and the heel loading is close to the widest point of the frog. This gives full use of the natural load zones and so stimulates the horn growth. – Kim Dyson (082 888 6511). |fw
