Horse Legs and Hooves - list of articles!
Should You Pull Horseshoes for Winter?
Winter hoof care often brings up the question of whether a horse should stay shod or go barefoot, and the answer depends on several important factors. Climate, footing, hoof health, and workload all influence the decision, along with what owners should expect during a transition. Readers will also find guidance on supporting the barefoot horse, managing snowballing, and working with a farrier to keep hooves safe and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Taking Care of the Coronary Band
The horse’s coronary band or coronet is the birthplace of the hoof. Caring for this area is easy, keep it clean and inspect it daily for injury or cracking. You can choose to leave the periople, too.
Equine Pastern Dermatitis
Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a complex skin condition that affects the lower legs of horses and can lead to discomfort, swelling, and even lameness. It is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms linked to various causes, including moisture, allergies, mites, or sunlight sensitivity. This article explores the key factors that contribute to EPD, how to identify early warning signs, and why working with your veterinarian is essential for addressing the root cause and preventing chronic leg issues.
Underrun Heels in Horses
Underrun heels affect a horse’s entire way of moving and standing. This condition flattens the back of the hoof, shifts weight forward, and stresses tendons and ligaments. Recognizing early signs and understanding the difference between underrun and low heels in horses can help prevent long-term pain, lameness, and structural damage. Regular farrier care and balanced trimming are key.
Why Do Horses Need Horseshoes?
Horseshoes can help with conformation, injury, laminitis, as well as providing traction and preventing excessive wear on the hoof. But not all horses need shoes! Sometimes barefoot works, other times it doesn’t.
Chestnuts on Horses, and Ergots, too
Fun facts in here about chestnuts and ergots on horses. The myths behind chestnuts as eyes, toes, and scent glands are not rooted in current science, but are still fascinating, as is the evolution of the ergot on horse legs.
Ringbone in Horses
You can help the horse with ringbone with lifestyle changes, supplements, pain medications, and surgical options. It is a degenerative disease, and some ringbone in horses is mild, while other cases more severe.
Treating Chronic Laminitis in Horses
Treating chronic laminitis in horses involves more than easing pain—it’s about long-term hoof health, dietary adjustments, and proactive prevention. By working closely with your veterinarian and farrier, you can manage inflammation, correct hoof balance, reduce triggers like excess pasture sugars, and monitor metabolic health to help your horse stay comfortable, mobile, and free from flare-ups.
Feed to Prevent Founder in Horses
Know your horse’s risk level and change the diet accordingly.
What to do When Your Horse Won’t Pick Up His Feet
Give him a reason to pick up his hooves – with kindness.
Help Prevent Grass Founder this Spring
Know your horse’s risk factors before feasting on salad
12 Hoof Care Tips for Maximum Hoof Health
12 Hoof Care Tips for Maximum Horse Hoof Health Your horse’s hooves hold him up! And while there’s not much we can do for a horse’s genetics, we can help our horses have healthy hooves. With these hoof care tips, you can quickly catch common hoof problems and keep your horse’s feet in tip-top
