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Equine Foot Care
Equine Foot Care
We are all familiar with the phrase 'No Hoof, No Horse' and its meaning.
Many, or indeed most, of the issues and problems people wrongly believe to be normal or inevitable with their horses are eminently avoidable.
The key to the longevity, performance, mood, happiness and general well being of horses, whether they are equine athletes, in work, training, treasure companions or resting and retired is the health of their feet.
Like any complex multifunctional system or device the hoof will require periodic maintenance. Most especially so of it is placed in environments, situations and put to uses for which it is was not designed.
The natural environment of wild horses are the largely dry grasslands of the world. The hoof is expected to perform optimally in low moisture, bearing the weight of the horse alone and to be active and in use for almost all the horses natural life.
As soon as we intervene to effect a change the natural environment in which the horse operates in, say moving it to a wet temperate climate , or the load it was designed for by adding a rider and preventing the natural activity/mobility period by keeping the horses stabled for a large percentage of the time and only riding them at weekends for relatively short periods we can equally expect to have to intervene to identify and counteract any adverse effects these changes will have on the hoof and thereby the horse.
Sadly, there is a perception amongst some horse owners that a Farriers roles is to turn up periodically and bang some bits of metal on the bottom of the horses hoof and be on their merry way.
This could not be further form the truth of the matter. Aside for the years of training as a an apprentice, most responsible farriers diligently undertake ongoing professional development and are constantly seeking to enhance the knowledge and skills throughout their working life.
It could be fair to say that in terms of knowledge, skills and commitment to their craft they easily rank with the highest levels of medical practitioners, veterinarians and other professionals.
Though they rarely receive either the acknowledgment of the skills nor the respect their commitment deserves it would do you no harm to consider how much time and expertise they bring to your horses next time you choose to ignore your farriers advice.
Look after the Farriers that look after your horses feet and you will have enjoyment of both 'Hoof and Horse' for many years to come.
Many, or indeed most, of the issues and problems people wrongly believe to be normal or inevitable with their horses are eminently avoidable.
The key to the longevity, performance, mood, happiness and general well being of horses, whether they are equine athletes, in work, training, treasure companions or resting and retired is the health of their feet.
Like any complex multifunctional system or device the hoof will require periodic maintenance. Most especially so of it is placed in environments, situations and put to uses for which it is was not designed.
The natural environment of wild horses are the largely dry grasslands of the world. The hoof is expected to perform optimally in low moisture, bearing the weight of the horse alone and to be active and in use for almost all the horses natural life.
As soon as we intervene to effect a change the natural environment in which the horse operates in, say moving it to a wet temperate climate , or the load it was designed for by adding a rider and preventing the natural activity/mobility period by keeping the horses stabled for a large percentage of the time and only riding them at weekends for relatively short periods we can equally expect to have to intervene to identify and counteract any adverse effects these changes will have on the hoof and thereby the horse.
Sadly, there is a perception amongst some horse owners that a Farriers roles is to turn up periodically and bang some bits of metal on the bottom of the horses hoof and be on their merry way.
This could not be further form the truth of the matter. Aside for the years of training as a an apprentice, most responsible farriers diligently undertake ongoing professional development and are constantly seeking to enhance the knowledge and skills throughout their working life.
It could be fair to say that in terms of knowledge, skills and commitment to their craft they easily rank with the highest levels of medical practitioners, veterinarians and other professionals.
Though they rarely receive either the acknowledgment of the skills nor the respect their commitment deserves it would do you no harm to consider how much time and expertise they bring to your horses next time you choose to ignore your farriers advice.
Look after the Farriers that look after your horses feet and you will have enjoyment of both 'Hoof and Horse' for many years to come.
Get in touch with Clive
If you would like to know more about Equine Foot Protection or you have specific question about Natural Balance Farriery or to discuss your particular Farriery needs or just to book an appointment please fill out the for below and we will get back to you
Contact info
The Forge, Gabriels Farm, Marsh Green Road, Nr Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5PP
+44 7884 236892
equinefootprotection@gmail.com
