H O R S E A N D H E A LT H Picking out the feet may seem basic, but neglecting to do this can have a huge impact on your horse’s soundness.
LEG AND HOOF CARE AN OVERVIEW
TEXT: SHARI MICHAELIS PHOTOGRAPHY: MERLYNN TRICHARDT
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e've all heard the saying "no hoof, no horse," and I would go as far as to say, "no legs, no horse". Whether you do showjumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, or anything in between, your horse's future depends mainly on how his legs and hooves stand up to whatever task you expect him to do. Therefore, our understanding of leg and hoof care as riders and horse owners significantly impacts our horse's current and future soundness. Soundness is precious. And no horse is immune to leg and hoof issues, no matter what his breed or use. My horses have taught me how important the owner's role is in preventing and managing leg and hoof issues.
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CLEANING
Starting with the basics, cleaning your horse's feet is vital in ensuring their soundness. Cleaning your horse's hooves removes rocks or other hard objects that could cause damage and lead to more significant issues. Daily cleaning also removes manure and other fungus and bacteria-harbouring debris that could lead to thrush. LIVING CONDITIONS
Safe living conditions and the area and footing that your horse spends most of his time on also play one of the most prominent roles in his soundness. Most experts would agree that a more
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