undefined
To keep our horses healthy, sound and useful for their whole long life requires knowledge and consideration of their innate needs. Some of these that relate to the hoofs are;
- Bare, well trimmed feet - essential to health and strength,
from the hooves up. Enables proper hoof function, blood circulation and shock absorbtion.
- 24/7 turnout in as large a paddock as possible - to allow horses to move freely at all times
- near constant exercise - as horses are designed to, which enables proper hoof function and therefore growth, strength and healing capacity of feet. The more the better. 20-30km per day being what the horse is designed to do.
- live-in company - to motivate exercise - besides the mental benefits of keeping a herd animal in a herd.
- firm dry ground to facilitate proper hoof function and help condition feet.
- access to water to soak feet - to give the hoof elasticity and help prevent chipping and cracks.
- good nutrition - essential for the whole horse, feet & all. A natural diet of mixed grasses or hay, supplimented with herbs and appropriate nutrients is best.
- The horse needs to have near constant access to grass or hay, to feed throughout the day, so hand feeding must be little and often.
- In the case of horses in hard work requiring more energy,
hard feed needs to be easily digestible. Feeds high in starch, such as cereal grains are not easily digested and can cause problems. Copra meal and soy meal
are two good examples of healthy digestible energy. Hard feeds
should be fed at least twice a day to be utilised
effectively.
Hoofcare * High Performance Barefoot * Principles of Trimming * Donkey Hoofcare * Lifestyle * Links * My Hoofcare Journey * Contact Me