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Maintaining Healthy Hooves With Proper Care And Hoof Supplements
by Gordon Freeman Freelance Writer Equine hoof health is of fundamental importance to the longevity and performance of all horses. Without strong feet, horses are at a severe disadvantage and will have many problematic health concerns. A horse that is in pain from weak or infected feet will be unable to walk correctly or perform at his best, will be extremely uncomfortable, and is severely susceptible to other issues such as joint problems or ligament damage. To prevent these problems, it is important to take proper care of the feet, and provide the animal with a balanced diet including hoof supplements.A horse's feet must be cleaned daily, trimmed properly, and shod correctly if necessary. Cleaning the feet daily is one of the most basic but important measures to be taken. Most horses are kept in smaller pastures and stalls. These smaller confines are usually well trodden down with manure and mud, and quickly fill the horses feet with dirt and pebbles. The constant buildup of dirt in the feet can cause impactions, sores, or other problems. If the feet are cleaned daily, it prevents this buildup of dirt and germs, and also allows the foot to dry. If the horse is standing in consistently damp conditions, this will cause the feet to soften, leaving them vulnerable to bruising, abscesses, and other infections. In addition to this care, a regular regime of supplements including calcium and monosodium phosphate will encourage strong hoof growth.
A horses foot never stop growing, similar to the human fingernail. Because of this, it is of the utmost importance that they are trimmed regularly and properly. A correctly trimmed foot prevents splitting and cracking, and maintains proper positioning and wear of the legs, back, and joints. When the feet are allowed to grow without trimming, the horse may founder. This disease is potentially permanent, and once developed is difficult to stop. This causes a painful swelling of certain sensitive tissues in the foot, and impacts the ability of the horse to walk, stand, and perform basic duties. If a horse has developed this condition, one of the first remedies is to ensure that the feet are properly trimmed. Secondly, the horse is put on a diet of balanced feed and hoof supplements, in order to build as much healthy tissue as possible.
Depending on the daily activities of certain horses, or the conditions in which they live, it may be important for the horse to wear shoes. This is typically the case for animals that have a heavy workload, consistently stand in rocky areas or on pavement, and for those that have softer feet. Shoes are not required for all horses, and are usually used only when necessary to protect the feet and offer proper support. Horses that constantly stand on pavement, such as carriage horses or police animals, will often be outfitted with shoes. Horses that require stable footing, such as barrel racers and competition pulling horses will also have shoes. When a horses daily activities require shoes, it is very important that they are installed correctly. If not, they may aggravate any existing problems, or cause foot sensitivities, or any other multitude of problems. In these circumstances, it is also helpful to provide the horse with supplements including calcium and glucosamine. These minerals not only strengthen the hooves, but also assist in maintaining healthy joints and ligaments, which also experience large amounts of stress when placed under heavy workload.
Most horses are expected to perform certain jobs, and their ability to perform is based in large part on the condition of their feet. For this reason, it is important that the horse has been regularly fed a balanced diet, and given hoof supplements if necessary. With proper nutrition most feet will grow and maintain correctly, preventing many different diseases, weaknesses, and other problems. Proper care is also very important, as is finding the correct hoof supplements. Finding a good brand that uses high quality nutrients is an important factor. When the horse is properly nourished, and the feet are well taken care of, a horse will generally have good strong feet that will last his whole life.
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About Gordon Freeman 
Freelance Writer
9 connections, 0 recommendations, 29 honor points.Joined APSense since, February 19th, 2013, From Miami, United States.
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.
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