Nicole Jory - Hoof Care Practitioner

04/25/2025

A 2017 study found that racehorses receiving corticosteroid injections were FOUR TIMES more likely to suffer musculoskeletal injuries. These weren’t minor lamenesses, they led to long layups, early retirements, and in some cases, catastrophic breakdowns. That stopped me in my tracks. When we inject a horse to keep them “sound,” are we treating the injury, or are we simply hiding the pain?

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories. They offer quick relief, especially for sore joints, but repeated use has a risky side. Over time, corticosteroids can accelerate cartilage breakdown and damage the very structures we’re trying to protect. That’s not just theory, it’s been proven in multiple studies. One 2022 review published in Equine Veterinary Education warned that long-term use of corticosteroids, even in low doses, can lead to irreversible joint degeneration.

And it’s not just steroids. Treatments like IRAP (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein) and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are widely used, but the science behind them is still emerging. A recent meta-analysis found highly inconsistent outcomes with some horses showing improvement, and others none at all. These therapies show promise, but they are not miracle fixes. Their long-term benefits and risks remain unclear, especially when used repeatedly without a comprehensive rehab plan.

Even alternatives like Adequan and Polyglycan come with caveats. Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) can help reduce inflammation and protect cartilage in the short term, but does not show lasting curative effects without rest or additional therapy. Polyglycan, often marketed as a joint lubricant, has been linked to increased bone proliferation and osteophyte formation. That means while it might make your horse feel better in the short term, it could be quietly encouraging abnormal bone growth that worsens arthritis and limits joint mobility over time.

It seems that most injections don’t fix the problem, they just silence the alarm bell. And when we quiet that bell without solving what caused it, we set the horse up for further breakdown. They keep working through masked pain, compensating, and eventually injuring something else. What seems like a solution quickly becomes a cycle of damage.

So, what does responsible use look like? It starts with intent. Injections should never be used as routine “maintenance” or as a preventative measure in otherwise healthy joints. There is no such thing as a preventative joint injection. Every time you inject a joint, you’re altering its natural chemistry and potentially weakening its future integrity. Instead, injections should be used after thorough diagnostics: imaging, flexions, lameness exams, and only as part of a comprehensive plan. That means rest. That means thoughtful rehab. That means time to retrain healthier movement patterns so the horse can come back stronger and more balanced, not just numbed. Injections can open a door to recovery, but they are not the recovery itself.

Responsible use also means reevaluating the workload. If a horse needs regular injections to keep doing the job, then maybe it’s the job that needs adjusting. I’m not saying injections are evil. They’ve done wonderful things for horses I’ve known and I’m not saying we should all stop injections forever. But if Beauty’s hocks need to be injected three times a year just to keep her jumping the 1.20s, maybe the 1.20s are no longer where she belongs. Maybe it's time to listen to what her body is telling us.

I’m not a vet. I don’t have a medical degree. I’m just someone who enjoys research and writing, and I would still argue that we need more research to ultimately determine what is "safe" for our horses. However, I do think it's important to be aware of what the science currently says, and having hard conversations about if the potential risk is worth the reward.

Your vet is your best friend in this process. Don’t change your horse’s care plan because someone on Facebook shared a study about joint injections being questionable…or because someone else said they’re harmless. Talk to your vet. Ask hard questions. Understand exactly what these drugs do, how long they last, and what they mean for your horse’s future soundness. Your vet knows your horse better than I ever could, and they want to help you make the best choices, not just the most convenient ones.

Studies used:

Johnson, B. J., et al. (2017). "Association between corticosteroid administration and musculoskeletal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 250(3), 296–302.

Textor, J. A., & Tablin, F. (2012). "Platelet-rich plasma in equine musculoskeletal therapy." Canadian Veterinary Journal, 53(8), 841–849.

Frisbie, D. D., & McIlwraith, C. W. (2014). "Evaluation of autologous conditioned serum and platelet-rich plasma for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in horses." Equine Veterinary Education, 26(12), 572–578.

McIlwraith, C. W., et al. (2012). "Effects of intra-articular administration of sodium hyaluronate and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan on osteoarthritis in horses." EquiManagement Clinical Research Reports.

Burba, D. J., et al. (2011). "Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in equine osteoarthritis." Equine Veterinary Journal, 43(5), 549–555.

Garbin, L. C., Lopez, C., & Carmona, J. U. (2021). A Critical Overview of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Medicine Over the Last Decade. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 641818.

Boorman, S., McMaster, M. A., Groover, E., & Caldwell, F. (2022). Review of glucocorticoid therapy in horses: Intra-articular corticosteroids. Equine Veterinary Education, 35(6), 327–336.

Nedergaard, M. W., et al. (2024). Evidence of the clinical effect of commonly used intra-articular treatments of equine osteoarthritis. Equine Veterinary Education.

04/23/2025

Apparently many of my family, friends and followers still don't know that I released an online hoof course!

I created the course to help equine owners and enthusiasts learn more about the hoof, how it functions, and what it needs for optimal health.

Do you often wonder about certain things you notice with your equine's hooves but forget or are maybe to ask your farrier or vet?

Have your horse's feet always been not quite right but you don't know why? Are you wondering what you can do to help them get healthier?

Are you worried about problems like laminitis, navicular, thrush, white line disease etc and want to k ow how to prevent these issues?

Are you just a big nerd like me and want to know everything about your equine obsession?

Well my Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online course checks all those boxes!

Check it out!
https://outsidetheboxequine.com/hoof-course/

At Outside the Box Equine we connect horse people to education, resources and professionals that can support them in creating supportive and species-specific spaces for their horses. Are you ready to learn more about creating functional supportive and species-specific horse spaces? To prioritize you...

04/15/2025

Don't be a grass denier!

This time of year, the spring growth is coming in hot. Great news for spring lovers, terrible news for metabolic/laminitic equines.

The most common things I hear when I see a laminitic equine in the spring is "there isn't any grass, so it can't be the cause" OR " its just weeds, not grass".

First off... "grass" isn't the only fresh forage that can be a trigger. If it's green and it's growing, it can be contributing to insulin spikes. Weeds are often just as high in sugar as spring grass. When we are talking to you about "grass," we basically just mean "stuff your equine is grazing on." It is not plant species specific.

Second... if your turnout area looks like the first photo, and any area nearby that doesnt have animals living on it looks like the second picture, then the reason you don't have any grass, is because your equines are eating it!

There might not be a lot of forage in terms of volume, but what they are eating is fresh new baby growth, the stuff that is the highest in sugar! Danger zone for laminitic prone or metabolic( EMS, PPID) creatures.

If your hoof care provider or vet is expressing concern about spring laminitis, your equine seems more tender than usual, has a harder crest, or is sore after a trim when they are usually rock solid, you are already dealing with inflammation and need to respond ASAP by identifying and removing the trigger. If they have access to the green stuff, its time to make some changes even if you think they aren't getting enough to cause a problem. Their bodies are telling you otherwise!

If you want to learn more about the equine hoof and how to prevent issues like laminitis check out my Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course. The link is in my profile info.

04/12/2025

Many times horses with PPID will present with dropped fetlocks, just like horses with DSLD. This can be a symptom that your horse may be PPID, especially if it shows up later in the horse's life, when no previous signs or indications of DSLD were present in earlier years.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25641552/

Additionally, PPID horses with suspensory problems have significantly more corticosteroid receptors in their suspensories and in their skin, which was also thinner than young horses. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359976/

03/26/2025

It's been 3 years since the first photo. He was a 3 year old who had just arrived at his new home and wasn't receiving hoof care often enough before arriving there. Consistent diet, trimming, exercise, and living on a gravel track system have developed this hind foot nicely.

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03/25/2025

2 months between photos. Almost grown out the nail holes and her hoof wall is coming in with a better connection and less distortion. Because she does have remodeling of P3 due to chronic laminitis and toe loading, it will be interesting to see what her feet look like after a full hoof capsule cycle of growth happens! She still has very deep thrush in all 4 that is making progress as well, and I know her comfort will really improve once that heals, and she has the back of her hoof actually supporting her!

The sad part is, this was very preventable! If you want to learn more about how to prevent or recognize hoof issues like this, and how to develop healthier hooves ifnyou are dealing with chronic issues , please check out my online course, Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals! The link is in my bio!

03/15/2025

This podcast was great, so many pertinent questions answered about all sorts of ulcers in horses and dispelling common myths.

Ep. 78 of the "Adult Onset Horsemanship" Podcast is Live! This week we were very pleased to be joined by Dr. Benjamin Sykes, BVMS, PhD. Dr. Sykes is one of the world's leading experts on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, giving lectures and talks on it all over the world. He's also one of the world's most respected researchers ranked in the top 1% of all hard science researchers by Stanford University, not just in veterinary sciences. He's the lead author on the European College of Equine Internal Medicine Concensus Statement on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Adult Horses.

If you are having ulcer issues in your horse and want to cut through all the BS out there, this is definitely for you.

With all of that academic background, you might be surprised at how down to earth, easy to understand, and easy going he is too. If you own a horse, you need to listen to this one. So take 2 minutes and find "Adult Onset Horsemanship" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or whichever music directory you get your music on and hit the "Subscribe" button. Many people are telling us that this is their favorite horse podcast. If you aren't already listening you're going to wish you had been.
You can find the podcast on any major music/podcast directory, or stream it live from the episode's webpage.
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/ep-78-dr-benjamin-sykes-bvms-phd-world-leading-expert-in-equine-gastric-ulcer-syndrom/

03/15/2025

😂🤣😂

03/13/2025

What is the Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course and why did I create it?

Over the past 21 years as a Hoof Care Provider, something that I have always tried to prioritize expanding the knowledge my clients have about hooves and all things affecting, and affected by, the hoof.

I have noticed that there are a number of common issues, questions owners have about their animals, and gaps in the general knowledge of the average equine owner that leave many of them confused, frustrated and sometimes feeling helpless. I, many years ago, was one of those owners! I wanted to know more, I knew there were issues with so many of the hooves I was seeing, both my own animals and those of others, but I didn't understand why, or what could be done to prevent those issues, or treat them.

Wanting to know more is what started me on my journey into hoof care as a career, but many people just want to be able to have healthy animals and feel confident in what they need to do to keep them that way. They want to be educated enough to know when something is wrong, be able to confidently discuss their concerns with their hoof care providers and vets, and to know the best practices to develop the healthiest hooves possible.

Knowledge is power. I don't want equine owners to have to rely on professionals to tell them everything is ok, or not. I don't want equine owners to feel like they don't know which information they can trust when so much of it is conflicting these days. I want people to feel confident to ask questions, and be able to make informed decisions about their equines health and well being.

So I made a course to do all that! I figured that if a large majority of the people I have dealt with over the years have had these questions, concerns and wanted to know how to help their equine companions, then there are probably a heck of a lot more people out there wanting the same thing. I can only guide so many people in person and wanted to put something out there that could help more.

The Equine Fundamentals Online Course is my way of helping equine owners fill any gaps they may have in the education on the health of the equine hoof. There is over 20 chapters, covering a large variety of topics, from basic anatomy, safe hoof handling, what healthy and unhealthy hooves look like, what causes them to be one or the other, emergency issues, and what can be done to support and develop a healthy hoof.

This is not a hoof trimming course.

If you are wanting to learn more about the hoof, how it functions and what you can do to support your animals in developing healthy hooves, this is a great resource. If you would like to feel more empowered and confident in making informed decisions about the care of your equines, this course is for you.

I have included in the course, a variety of awesome resources if you want to deep dive further into many of the course topics or maybe even learn to trim hooves yourself.

I also have created a facebook group for those who have any questions or what to talk more about the course material.

If all of this peaks your interest and you want to join the Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course, a link to the course will be in the comments. I really hope you join me! I would love to help you and your equines.

03/10/2025

Why I Trim on a 4-Week Cycle (With Exceptions)

One of the most important aspects of hoof care is consistency. I strongly advocate for a 4-week trim cycle for most horses because waiting too long between trims often leads to subtle imbalances that can quickly turn into serious problems. Here’s why regular maintenance is key—especially when it comes to preventing pathologies and distortions.

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1. Preventing & Managing Pathologies

Hoof pathologies don’t develop overnight, but they often begin with small, gradual changes that go unnoticed until they cause pain or lameness. A 4-week trim cycle helps catch and correct these issues early, rather than letting them worsen.

✅ Laminitis & Metabolic Horses (EMS, PPID) – Horses with laminitis or metabolic conditions often have hoof capsules prone to distortion due to weakened laminae (Pollitt, 2018). Regular trims help maintain correct angles, reduce mechanical leverage, and prevent excessive hoof wall separation.

✅ Navicular & Caudal Heel Pain – Long toes and underrun heels place strain on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the navicular apparatus (Turner, 2022). Keeping toes short and heels well-supported every 4 weeks helps reduce pressure on these structures.

✅ White Line Disease & Seedy Toe – Overgrowth and flaring create mechanical separation in the hoof wall, allowing bacteria and fungi to invade. Regular trims minimise these separations, reducing the risk of infections (O'Grady, 2020).

✅ Thrush & Heel Collapse – Long trimming cycles can lead to contracted or collapsing heels, which trap moisture and create the perfect environment for thrush. Keeping heels in balance encourages frog engagement and proper function (Bowker, 2017).

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2. Preventing Hoof Distortions

Hoof distortions develop when imbalances are left unchecked, altering the hoof capsule’s shape and function. These distortions affect movement, joint health, and even saddle fit over time. A 4-week trim schedule helps prevent:

🔸 Underrun Heels – Caused by excessive toe growth and lack of heel support, leading to increased strain on the tendons and ligaments.

🔸 Long Toes & Low Heels – Excessive toe growth can delay breakover, forcing the horse to compensate and increasing the risk of tendon injuries.

🔸 Flared Hoof Walls – As the hoof wall grows out, mechanical forces cause flaring, leading to separations, cracks, and weaker hoof structures.

🔸 Medial-Lateral Imbalances – Uneven weight distribution (from conformation or poor trimming) can create asymmetry in the hoof, leading to uneven loading of joints and ligaments.

🔸 Contracted or Crushed Heels – Delayed trims allow heels to overgrow, roll under, or collapse, reducing frog function and leading to discomfort or long-term lameness.

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3. The Exceptions – When a Longer or Shorter Cycle May Be Needed

While a 4-week cycle works best for most horses, I do take individual needs into account. Some horses naturally wear their feet down more efficiently, while others may need even more frequent maintenance. Here’s where adjustments may be necessary:

Horses that may manage on a slightly longer cycle (5-6 weeks):

✔️ Horses on Abrasive Terrain – If a horse is living on dry, rocky, or firm ground, the natural wear may keep excessive growth in check.
✔️ Very Slow-Growing Hooves – Some horses naturally have slower hoof growth rates due to genetics, age, or diet.
✔️ Horses with Strong, Balanced Hoof Shape – If a horse has naturally well-shaped hooves with no history of distortion or pathology, a slightly longer trim cycle may be sustainable.

Horses that may need a shorter cycle (2-3 weeks):

✔️ Laminitic Horses – To maintain proper mechanics and prevent excessive separation, some laminitic horses need very frequent touch-ups.
✔️ Severe Distortions or Rehab Cases – If a horse is undergoing corrective trimming, small, frequent adjustments help the hoof realign without excessive stress.
✔️ Horses Prone to Rapid Flare or Chipping – Some hooves flare quickly or start to break down if left too long, making shorter cycles beneficial.

Even when exceptions apply, I always monitor growth carefully and adjust trimming frequency as needed to maintain soundness.

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4. Final Thoughts

Regular hoof care isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about soundness, longevity, and preventing problems before they start. A 4-week trim cycle keeps hooves balanced, reduces strain on soft tissues, and supports long-term soundness. While I do make exceptions based on individual needs, the risks of waiting too long between trims far outweigh any benefits.

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References

Bowker, R. (2017). "The Function of the Hoof Capsule in Movement." Equine Veterinary Journal.

O'Grady, S. (2020). "White Line Disease: Causes and Management." The Veterinary Journal.

Pollitt, C. (2018). "Laminitis: Understanding the Hoof's Response to Metabolic Challenges." The Veterinary Journal.

Turner, T. (2022). "Frog Health, Heel Structure, and Sole Function in Horses." Journal of Equine Science.

03/01/2025

Some really lovely and thoughtful reviews of my Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course! It's so wonderful to know that the course is fulfilling it's purpose - to empower equine owners through knowledge of the hoof. To equip them with the ability to make informed decisions about their care, and be able to communicate with their professional team with confidence about issues that may arise as well as understanding how to prevent them.

If you are interested in checking the course out for yourself the link will be in the comments!

02/24/2025

Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course!!!

I want equine owners everywhere to know all about their equines hooves. How to care for them, how they function, what healthy and unhealthy hooves may look like, how to prevent common issues and develop the healthiest hooves possible. That is why I created this course.

Some people are hoof nerds like myself and just want to know everything possible, others just want to have sound, healthy animals and aren't quite sure what resources are out there to learn more.

I have noticed we have a huge gap in equine owner education when it comes to hoof care. From the basics of how to properly pick a hoof, to anatomy and function, as well as what healthy hooves should look like. There are a lot of unhealthy hooves out there, so much so that we are more accustomed to seeing dysfunctional hooves and consider them normal. But what is common, is not normal.

After 21 years in the hoof care business, I have heard a lot of the same questions, and seen a lot of the same preventable problems. Equine owners rely on their hoof care providers to tell them when things are going wrong. I want to empower them to be able to see it for themselves, know what the contributing factors are, and feel like they know what they can do to help create healthy hooves.

If you are interested in enrolling in this course, here is the link to learn more: https://outsidetheboxequine.com/hoof-course/

I would really appreciate if you could share this link or post. Our equines need us to learn everything we can to help them thrive.
Thank you!

Sign up here Nicole has been my main hoof care provider and resource for my herd of 3 for the last 5 years. She is an absolute wealth of knowledge and this comprehensive course brings this knowledge to every horse person! I am so excited to be able to share her work here on Outside the Box to suppor...

02/23/2025

Check your junkmail!

If anyone signed up for notifications about the release of my online course, please check your junkmail folders, it seems my emailed want to go there!

02/22/2025

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Today is a very special day—it's my birthday AND the launch of my Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course! 🐴🎂

I’m beyond excited to share this with you all! My goal is to help equines everywhere by sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over 21 years as a Hoof Care Provider. This course will empower equine owners, caretakers, and enthusiasts with essential hoof care education.

🔹 What’s Inside the Course?
✔️ 20+ chapters covering Anatomy, Daily Hoof Care Practices, Recognizing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Hooves, and Developing the Healthiest Hooves Possible!
✔️Tons of photos, videos and resources for further learning
✔️ Access to an exclusive members-only Facebook group for discussions & hoof nerding!

✨ What People Are Saying:

"I absolutely loved the Equine Hoof Care Fundamentals Online Course, and I wholeheartedly wish every horse owner I know would take it! This course is an invaluable and easy-to-understand resource, overflowing with essential information. I was genuinely amazed at how much content is included! The course features a wealth of examples, photos, and videos, showcasing fascinating hooves I've never encountered before, as well as common issues that many horse owners are sure to recognize. Additionally, there’s a treasure trove of resources—links, articles, websites, books, and more—for those who want to dive even deeper into specific topics. I believe the knowledge shared in this course will empower anyone to better care for their horse. It’s perfect for everyone, whether you're a first-time horse owner or a hoof nerd like myself. I even picked up a few new insights along the way! I highly recommend it—you're sure to enjoy it and have fun while learning!" -Sofia Jackson - Hoof Care Practitioner

📌 Sign Up Here: https://outsidetheboxequine.com/hoof-course/

🔥 SPECIAL OFFER: If you're a hoof trim customer of mine, message me for an exclusive coupon code!

👉 Please share this with your equine-loving friends! Let’s make a difference in equine hoof health together!