02/02/2018
Really wanting warmer weather so we can go riding. Here's just a tip for getting your horse's hooves prepared for a good riding season.
First thing you can do is give a hoof supplement or a good mineral supplement. There's a lot of choices out there and a lot of reading about it. Most of the time if a horse is missing something in their diet, it will show in hoof quality and their coat. I like to use omega horse shine, Blackoil sunflower seeds, and a mineral supplement. Again there's a lot of information on the web about this. You can also use a good ration balancer. I like tribute feeds, essential K. Just be careful not to over supplement. These are all things you as a horse owner can do before any farrier shows up at your barn.
Also, it's a good idea not to have your horse standing all day in 6 inches of mud and manure. The mud is hard to avoid at times, but urine and manure eat away at the hoof wall and long periods of time in wet conditions make a soft hoof. On the other end, it's best to avoid really dry conditions also so the hoof doesn't dry out and crack. Spending a lot of time on dry pine shavings and bathing with soap too often can take a lot of natural oil out of a horse's coat and hooves.
One last thing, have your horse trimmed every 6 to 12 weeks, so their feet are not a total wreck come spring. This is really helpful if you want shoes put on. Sometimes it takes farriers maybe only one time of trimming to get that horse's hoof where you want it shape wise, balanced with no flares. However, this process could take 2- 6 trims if the owner has stopped getting their horse's hooves trimmed for 4 to 6 months, causing a possible delay to your spring riding plans. Overall, it's best to keep your horse's hooves in shape and balanced all year round.
Thank you; hope this is helpful info.
Offering $35 trims and shoeing from $80 to $120+ to the local area, trip fees average from $15-$30. Pleases call with any questions. 260-418-0831
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