1.What should I be using on my horses feet?
In short, nothing! Definitely DO NOT use any type of moisturizing hoof product. The hoof capsule is designed to be tough and hard (picture feral horses in the arid west). Excessive moisture is the bane of a farrier's existence resulting in poor quality soft-walled feet which are prone to any number of maladies. Owners often mistake shelly, crumbly feet for being too dry when in fact it is just the opposite. If your horse falls into that catagory a hoof hardener such as Keratex is in order.
In short, nothing! Definitely DO NOT use any type of moisturizing hoof product. The hoof capsule is designed to be tough and hard (picture feral horses in the arid west). Excessive moisture is the bane of a farrier's existence resulting in poor quality soft-walled feet which are prone to any number of maladies. Owners often mistake shelly, crumbly feet for being too dry when in fact it is just the opposite. If your horse falls into that catagory a hoof hardener such as Keratex is in order.
2. How can I help prevent my horse from losing shoes?
There are several things a horse owner can do to help reduce lost shoes.
Keep horses out of swampy and wet areas during turnout. This will reduce the likelihood of a shoe being "sucked" off and will help keep the feet from becoming too moist.
Use bell boots if possible. Properly fitted bell boots should just touch the ground at the back of the foot. If it doesn't reach the ground there they are too small- get the next size up.
Use bedding such as shavings, sawdust or pelleted paper rather than straw. These materials are more absorbent and will keep the stall and hence the foot drier. Often this is beyond the control of the owner and can present a problem in terms of disposal.
Limit turnout. Nothing spoils a trip to the horse show or a much anticipated ride faster than arriving at the barn to find your horse minus a shoe. The longer they are turned out the more opportunity there is to pull a shoe. The day before a show or ride bring your horse in a bit early and make sure everything is in order. In the event of a lost shoe this will give the farrier time to respond.
There are several things a horse owner can do to help reduce lost shoes.
Keep horses out of swampy and wet areas during turnout. This will reduce the likelihood of a shoe being "sucked" off and will help keep the feet from becoming too moist.
Use bell boots if possible. Properly fitted bell boots should just touch the ground at the back of the foot. If it doesn't reach the ground there they are too small- get the next size up.
Use bedding such as shavings, sawdust or pelleted paper rather than straw. These materials are more absorbent and will keep the stall and hence the foot drier. Often this is beyond the control of the owner and can present a problem in terms of disposal.
Limit turnout. Nothing spoils a trip to the horse show or a much anticipated ride faster than arriving at the barn to find your horse minus a shoe. The longer they are turned out the more opportunity there is to pull a shoe. The day before a show or ride bring your horse in a bit early and make sure everything is in order. In the event of a lost shoe this will give the farrier time to respond.
