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Facts About Horse Shoes Most Peolpe Dont Know

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Most people are familiar with horse shoes and know that a horse shoe is a metal u-shaped object placed on the bottom of a horse’s hoof. It is also common knowledge that the apparatus is used to protect the hoof from damage during use. However, there is a great deal about horse shoes you may not be aware of.

One thing I was unaware of is horse shoes are not only used on horses. The special shoes can be attached to any animal with a hoof wall. This wall is very similar to your toenail, except much thicker in width and depth. Another interesting fact involves the materials used. Apparently, these shoes can be made from a variety of products. Aluminum, titanium, copper, and even plastic can be utilized for shoeing. The last interesting tidbit claims that horse shoes are good luck a charm.

People have been shoeing animals, especially horses, for centuries. In spite of this, there is a great deal of mystery concerning the innovation. It seems the more you dig into this topic, the more you will learn about horse shoes. I know I certainly learned a lot about this particular topic, and hopefully so did you.

Shoes For All Feet And Hooves

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In the wild, horses are always on the move. Wild horses travel up to 20 miles a day looking for food and water, so this naturally trims down the horses hooves. This is not true for horses in captivity, so foot care is a very important part of keeping horses.

Each horse is different, but trimming of horses hooves needs to be done every five to seven months. To decide when to trim your horses hooves, look at how the horse walks. The heel of the horse should always come into contact with the ground first. If you notice the toe is hitting the ground first, it is definitely time for a trim!

Choosing a farrier, or person who cares for horse feet, is a very important task. You will want to check with your friends and see if they have a farrier they suggest. Next check and see that the farrier is gentle with your horse. Some horses just don’t like to stand still while being trimmed, but a farrier should never lose his or her patience with the horse. Lastly check your horse after trimming. If your horse is always sore or walks funny after trimming, find a new farrier. Trimming the horses feet should not hurt the horse in any way.

Shoes Are Not Just For People

admin — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Shoes are not just for people. Horses rely on having them to maintain overall hoof health. They provide a vital function because horses must stand up a majority of their lives. These shoes prevent moisture from reaching into spaces of the hoof as well as giving stability when walking on both hard and soft surfaces. Footwear for horses does not resemble what humans wear. Instead, these shoes are made in a u shape to follow the hoof’s curve. A popular trend with horse owners is to attempt shoeing themselves or go with just filing the horse’s nails. It is not recommended for anyone other than a trained farrier to install the set of shoes. Improper shoeing can be detrimental to the health of horses and an inexperienced farrier could cause serious damage to hooves. Trained farriers’ work has not changed much in the course of shoeing horses. Many practices done today were also done over a hundred years ago. They attach the shoe with nails placed into slots to ensure it stays on properly at all times. Farriers’ concerns about selecting the right shoes have led to studies about changing shoes for different events as a way of preventing injuries.

Starting a Stable?

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Running a stable is no small feat but if you’re a true “horse person” it’s likely your life’s calling. Once you get past the credit card processing research and the marketing costs you’ll want to give back to the horses themselves here are a few areas not to skimp:
Healthcare: Of course, we’re talking about for their hoofing but it’s also important to have a great vet on call in case things happen quickly. If there’s anything worth spending some extra money on, it’s your animals’ health.
Climatizing: No matter what part of the country you live in it’s crucial to climate control your stables. They should be kept between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at all times and that’s impossible to do without some cooling or heating.
Food: What better way to give back to your animals than to feed them well? They’ll perform better and need less medical care outside of food so invest in some great feed, hay and of course, treats. They’ll thank you for it and live longer, happier lives.

A Heathly Hoof Equals A Happy Horse

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are several diseases pertaining to the hoof. These illnesses are mostly obtained through the type of environment the animal has been exposed to. Common thrush literally eats away at the mineral that makes up the hoof. It causes extended growth of the hoof and eventually can deteriorate the hoof leaving nothing for the animal to stand on.

A home-made product called sugardine which is an iodine mixture, colorless and odorless is one option for treatment. Antibiotics can also be used to treat thrush, but are slightly more costly, so be careful and ask your vet what he or she suggests. Regular shaving and cutting away of any old tissue from the hoof is another cost effective way to maintain this fungus.

A spongy hoof in horses is the opposite of dry hoof; wherein the hoof tissue is too soft and can be treated with hoof supplements in the animal’s diet or with antibiotic creams. Also, ask your vet about possible corrective shoeing for your horse to compensate for the loss of tissue growth. Dry Hoof , also called brittle hoof, is when pieces of the hoof break or flake off because there is no moisture in the tissue, can be treated using sealants and moisturizing creams, in most cases, however this might also be a situation in which corrective shoeing is necessary.

Ringed or ribbed hoof (when there are visible markings on the hoof that actually punctuate through the mineral), is another common disorder and isn’t even considered to be that serious. Basically, it is an issue that is brought on by climate and temperature and treatment for this disorder may be as simple as keeping up an exercise routine to regulate blood flow.

Importance Of Horse Care: What Everyone Should Know

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Taking care of a horse is a huge responsibility and now that you have one, you must make sure that you care for it in the best possible way. In caring for your horse, keep in mind its age, breed and level of activity because these factors contribute to the animal’s overall health.

Naturally, you’ll want to give your horse a regime of total care that includes feeding, grooming, and exercise. The horse’s diet is important and age is a contributing factor.I found some more information here. If you are unsure of what your horse should be eating, consult your veterinarian for advice; a proper diet is the key to longevity. Additionally, give your horse plenty of fresh water and make sure the surroundings are clean.

Groom your horse everyday to keep its coat healthy but be careful not to over groom, so that the animal’s natural oils can build and keep a healthy natural glow. Grooming also creates a bond of trust between you and your horse that will increase your riding experience beyond measure.

Lastly, your horse’s feet need to be trimmed or shod every four to six weeks. Please consult your local farrier for special care problems or other hoof associated concerns.

Fun Family Horse Outings And Other Expirences

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Horses, like other pets, bring a world of joy to many people. It is an animal that shows grace, beauty and strength. Horses are social animals that enjoy human association. Imagine the fun of a family outing riding along a beautifully wooded area on back of these marvelous animals.

Stables found locally or at many vacation spots often provide horseback riding for families. The horses are generally calm and well trained even for the inexperienced rider. Guides will walk through the trails at an easy pace so the riders can enjoy the experience. It is a chance to relax and see local wildlife from an elevated seat.

Individuals with a desire to learn more can decide on lessons. Adults and children can find learning a new sport together fun and exciting. It is a great form of exercise. Horseback riding helps develop legs, seat and balanced position. Of course, there are more spirited animals for those that want a more adventurous ride.

Horseback riding is a great activity the family can share. It can be a simple guided tour or a desire to learn. For many youth, it is a confidence building experience as young people learn to control a large beautiful animal.