Keith Seeley Trim Clinic 12/12-13/2009 - Only 3 participant spaces left!
If you are within driving distance of Summerfield, NC, and care about your horse's current and long-term soundness, please consider attending this clinic! More info: http://keithseeley.com/showClinic.asp?id=14
Open for Virtual Business
I wanted to make some of my favorite hoof boots, hoof pads and accessories easily available from a single location, so I have opened an online store. Please check it out and let me know what you think: http://naturespathhoof.com/store/
Canker update
We applied Easyboot Rx boots on all four of the horse's feet for a whole week, and his hoof was dry and there was no rubbing whatsoever when we removed them yesterday. He has a little carpal varus (bowleg) in his RF, so that boot does tend to turn a little (increasing his chance of rubs), so I am especially impressed that there was no rubbing on that foot. We did liberally coat the inside of each boot with Gold Bond Medicated Powder before application. So far, I'm quite impressed with these boots!
We are using 6# Happy Hoof Pads in his boots this time (all the way around) to stimulate healthy growth and provide him with some comfort and support. His frogs have healed (and expanded) enough now that I can clearly see a featherlike growth (canker) in the central sulcus on 3/4 feet. I think the expansion of his heels is going to be critical in treating the canker. The "canker paste" that I have been using (metronidazole, acetone, and benzoyl perioxide) has really helped cornify the frog tissue and kept him comfortable. I'll get pictures next time and post them to show the progress.
We are using 6# Happy Hoof Pads in his boots this time (all the way around) to stimulate healthy growth and provide him with some comfort and support. His frogs have healed (and expanded) enough now that I can clearly see a featherlike growth (canker) in the central sulcus on 3/4 feet. I think the expansion of his heels is going to be critical in treating the canker. The "canker paste" that I have been using (metronidazole, acetone, and benzoyl perioxide) has really helped cornify the frog tissue and kept him comfortable. I'll get pictures next time and post them to show the progress.
Canker in horse hooves - Update (2 weeks)
September 15th:
September 29th:
In just two weeks, there is a good amount of improvement. The frog has shed twice, but still bleeds easily. The outlook is optimistic.
September 29th:
In just two weeks, there is a good amount of improvement. The frog has shed twice, but still bleeds easily. The outlook is optimistic.
Founder Trim
An example of a setup trim on a foundered horse is below. At the next trim, the toe will be brought back further, and the heel will be lowered more. Following the trim, the horse was put in Deluxe Equine Slippers with Happy Hoof Pads for comfort and increased perfusion in the feet.
Before trim:
After trim:
Before trim:
After trim:
Client Spotlight
Here is the lovely "Belle" in her harness and modeling her new Easyboot Gloves. Belle and her owner drove to their trimming appointment today at a neighbor's farm. Isn't she adorable?
Keith Seeley Trim Clinic scheduled for December 12-13, 2009
Download the flier from my website, or visit KeithSeeley.com for more information.
Canker in horse hooves
I have recently started working on a horse with canker. The horse was scheduled to be euthanized the same day I was called to do an evaluation. With the help of a veterinarian, we hope to achieve full recovery. I plan to fully document the horse's treatment and progress. Stay tuned for more information or email me with any comments or questions.
Pianos and hooves
I was recently reading a post on Carolyn Resnick's blog in which she was comparing a horse to a piano:
"A piano is a generic instrument. You can play classical music or jazz on the same piano. The only requirement is that the piano be in tune."
I believe horse hooves are similar. If everything is in balance, you don't need special shoes, pads, or trims to get a horse to give you his best performance. This includes quarter horses, walking horses, and every other breed that many believe need certain types of shoeing to perform.
"A piano is a generic instrument. You can play classical music or jazz on the same piano. The only requirement is that the piano be in tune."
I believe horse hooves are similar. If everything is in balance, you don't need special shoes, pads, or trims to get a horse to give you his best performance. This includes quarter horses, walking horses, and every other breed that many believe need certain types of shoeing to perform.
A Farrier's Dream Client
There's plenty of talk on the message boards about what to look for in a hoof care professional. All you farriers and trimmers out there: what do you look for in a client? Here is my list.
My dream client would...
My dream client would...
- Keep appointments and pay on time.
- Brush excess mud or dirt off their horse and pick his feet prior to an appointment.
- Keep up with hoof care between visits (especially important with rehab cases), including cleaning hooves out daily, exercise, thrush treatment, etc.
- Trust my opinion and experience, and follow my treatment plan for at least 3 months before making any hasty decisions. If a horse's hooves are pathological, especially over an extended period of time, it will take time to rehabilitate.
- Understand that while I do not have all the answers, I will use the resources I have available to best help your horse.
- Have digital x-rays of their horse's hooves and a vet that is willing to discuss any radiological or lameness exam findings.
- Tip for exceptional work, dealing with "uncooperative" horses, or a horse's first trim (training). I currently do not charge extra for these services, but probably should!
- Call or email me with any questions, concerns or changes. I am here to help in any way I can.
Thin Soles: diagnosis and treatment
It is extremely common for a horse to be tender-footed simply due to thin soles. Often, these horses will be more tender following a trim than before, leaving horse owners upset and wondering if their farrier/trimmer trimmed their horse too short. But how did the horse's soles get thin to start with, and what can we do to thicken them?
Diagnosing Thin Soles
Very thin soles can be flexed with thumb pressure alone. Hoof testers can flex soles that are thin enough to cause problems (be VERY careful with hoof testers), but not readily apparent with thumb pressure. Another common symptom of thin soles is shallow collateral grooves (the indentations of the hoof on either side of the frog). Lateral radiographs are often used to confirm sole thickness, and are helpful in determining how to trim a horse.
Causes of Thin Soles
There are several reasons a horse might have (or would be predisposed to have) thin soles. While genetics certainly might play a role, I personally feel that the horse's lifestyle (present and historical), nutrition, and past and present hoof care are more likely culprits.
Genetics, or newborn environment?
The first few days of a foal's life can and will affect a horse's hooves for the rest of its life. In these first few days after birth, the hooves are soft and pliable, and are shaped by the immediate environment the foal is exposed to. Foals need to run and play on various types of terrain in order to stimulate the development of the internal structures of their hooves. They should not be confined to stalls during this important period of development.
Nutrition
Horses need balanced diets to be healthy. A horse's hooves can tell us a lot about a horse's overall condition. Accompanying symptoms can include weight issues, dull coat, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Worm infestation can also wreak havok on a horse's system. If a horse's body is not healthy, his hooves won't be either.
Hoof Care, Past and Present
Long toes and under-run heels will stretch the hoof capsule forward, restricting blood flow. An unhealthy or overgrown hoof will not function or grow as well as a healthy one. Do not wait until your horse looks like he "needs" a trim (i.e. is overgrown) to schedule your trims or shoeings. Overgrown hooves can cause a multitude of issues, including mechanical founder, thrush, navicular syndrome, and abscesses.
How to Get Thicker Soles
Thin soles can be improve, but it takes some time, patience, and a little common sense. If you are able, determine the cause of the thin soles. Keep the toes back and the foot balanced for even contact with the ground. The weight bearing surface in a thin-soled hoof is usually too far forward. Be conservative in trimming the sole, bars and frog and focus more on changing the growth pattern of the hoof capsule from the top. Promote movement in the form of consistent exercise in a comfortable environment.
Keeping the Thin-Soled Horse Comfortable
Trim frequently. Fewer changes at each trim mean less of an adjustment period for the horse following a trim. Fit the horse with some form of hoof protection that includes sole stimulation, and use as often as needed. I prefer hoof boots with Happy Hoof Pads. Some veterinarians and farriers prefer shoes with impression material, however, a shoeing schedule can often be counterindicative to frequent (3-4 week) trims, and keeping toes back enough to change the angle of the growth of the hoof capsule.
Timeframe for Developing Thicker Soles
The timeframe for a horse's soles to thicken will vary based on all of the above factors. One of the most significant factors in my experience is controlled exercise and proper hoof stimulation. Note the difference in only a few months in the first x-ray shown on my website of a foundered hoof. This horse was hand-walked at a brisk pace for 20 minutes a day in boots and pads.
I hope this post has been helpful and educational. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or if you have some information or case studies to contribute. You can email me at rebecca(at)naturespathhoof.com.
Diagnosing Thin Soles
Very thin soles can be flexed with thumb pressure alone. Hoof testers can flex soles that are thin enough to cause problems (be VERY careful with hoof testers), but not readily apparent with thumb pressure. Another common symptom of thin soles is shallow collateral grooves (the indentations of the hoof on either side of the frog). Lateral radiographs are often used to confirm sole thickness, and are helpful in determining how to trim a horse.
Causes of Thin Soles
There are several reasons a horse might have (or would be predisposed to have) thin soles. While genetics certainly might play a role, I personally feel that the horse's lifestyle (present and historical), nutrition, and past and present hoof care are more likely culprits.
Genetics, or newborn environment?
The first few days of a foal's life can and will affect a horse's hooves for the rest of its life. In these first few days after birth, the hooves are soft and pliable, and are shaped by the immediate environment the foal is exposed to. Foals need to run and play on various types of terrain in order to stimulate the development of the internal structures of their hooves. They should not be confined to stalls during this important period of development.
Nutrition
Horses need balanced diets to be healthy. A horse's hooves can tell us a lot about a horse's overall condition. Accompanying symptoms can include weight issues, dull coat, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Worm infestation can also wreak havok on a horse's system. If a horse's body is not healthy, his hooves won't be either.
Hoof Care, Past and Present
Long toes and under-run heels will stretch the hoof capsule forward, restricting blood flow. An unhealthy or overgrown hoof will not function or grow as well as a healthy one. Do not wait until your horse looks like he "needs" a trim (i.e. is overgrown) to schedule your trims or shoeings. Overgrown hooves can cause a multitude of issues, including mechanical founder, thrush, navicular syndrome, and abscesses.
How to Get Thicker Soles
Thin soles can be improve, but it takes some time, patience, and a little common sense. If you are able, determine the cause of the thin soles. Keep the toes back and the foot balanced for even contact with the ground. The weight bearing surface in a thin-soled hoof is usually too far forward. Be conservative in trimming the sole, bars and frog and focus more on changing the growth pattern of the hoof capsule from the top. Promote movement in the form of consistent exercise in a comfortable environment.
Keeping the Thin-Soled Horse Comfortable
Trim frequently. Fewer changes at each trim mean less of an adjustment period for the horse following a trim. Fit the horse with some form of hoof protection that includes sole stimulation, and use as often as needed. I prefer hoof boots with Happy Hoof Pads. Some veterinarians and farriers prefer shoes with impression material, however, a shoeing schedule can often be counterindicative to frequent (3-4 week) trims, and keeping toes back enough to change the angle of the growth of the hoof capsule.
Timeframe for Developing Thicker Soles
The timeframe for a horse's soles to thicken will vary based on all of the above factors. One of the most significant factors in my experience is controlled exercise and proper hoof stimulation. Note the difference in only a few months in the first x-ray shown on my website of a foundered hoof. This horse was hand-walked at a brisk pace for 20 minutes a day in boots and pads.
I hope this post has been helpful and educational. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or if you have some information or case studies to contribute. You can email me at rebecca(at)naturespathhoof.com.
"It Depends" ...on what?
We often hear hoof care professionals answer our questions with, "It depends." What exactly does that mean to you? What are some of the factors that the following questions would "depend" on? Submit your answers in the comments below.
- How short should the heels be trimmed?
- How much wall should be left above the sole?
- How short should the toes be?
- How much "roll" should be put on a bare hoof?
- What angles should a horse's feet follow?
- Where should the widest part of the sole be?
How often is hoof trimming necessary?
How often is hoof trimming necessary? The answer to this question depends on several factors:
- The health of the hooves
Healthy hooves can often keep themselves relatively balanced and might only require light trimming every 5-6 weeks. Compromised hooves require a much more frequent schedule. - The time of year
Hooves generally grow faster in the warmer months, so a more frequent schedule may be necessary in Spring, Summer or early Fall. - The conformation of the horse
A horse with conformational defects such as pigeon toes, cow hocks or toed out on front will tend to wear and grow hooves unevenly. Keeping these horses in balance requires frequent trimming in order to avoid injury.
Introduction
The purpose of this blog is to provide an outlet for thoughts on hoof care, rehabilitation, methodologies and performance. Contributions are welcome from forward-thinking and open-minded individuals who understand that there is no one solution for every horse. To be considered for a contributor, please email your article or post to rebecca@naturespathhoof.com.
Posts
