11/29/2021
It's Winter Care month at Westhills EVS! ❄️
We asked our partner farrier Andrew with Morrison Farrier Service for some tips on hoof care and what changes during the cold winter months! Here is what he said:
Winter is actually a great time for a horse’s hooves. The snow friction cleans the hoof, buffs the sole and scrubs the frog. Some basic hoof care tips to keep your horse thriving over winter include:
1. Clean your pens on a regular basis
Environmental conditions in your paddock or pasture during winter months play a big part on the health of your horse’s hoof. In my opinion, the number one reason of hoof bruising is when frozen manure isn’t cleaned up on a regular basis. When a horse constantly steps on rock hard manure while moving throughout their pen, not only is it hard on the joints but the direct pressure to the sole can cause bruising. Bruising, if deep and direct enough, can then lead to further problems including an abscess.
2. Clean hooves daily
When the horse is both shod or barefoot, snow and ice can build up when trapped between the shoe or the hoof capsule. The snow build up raises the hoof off the ground and puts incredible pressure on the sole and the joints. Daily cleaning off the hoof can help or prevent sn*******ng which in turns reduces the risk of bruising or sore joints. When the snow is frozen into the shoe and a hoof pick is not working a small gentle tap from a hammer may assist in breaking up the ice. Ask your Farrier for a demonstration if unsure.
3. Provide appropriate traction
When horses are shod in the winter it is important to remember to discuss with your Farrier about proper winter traction and anti-sn*******ng pads. Steel shoes without traction are essentially ice skates. There are many options that your Farrier may be able to provide to you for your winter riding pleasure.
Shoe traction:
Borium: superior traction, cost effective and lasts the life of the shoe. Gives excellent traction to the horse that may be working on the concrete floor of a feedlot to a winter ride down a range road.
Frost Nails: horseshoe nails where the head of the nail has been coated with borium or the head of the nail has been shaped to a point to dig into the ice. Easy for Farrier to apply or remove. Frost nails much like horseshoe nails are a onetime use.
Snow Studs/Corks: great traction with the option of removing or replacing cork or stud depending on what the horse or rider require.
Snow pads:
Full Leather or Plastic Pad: covers and protects sole, build up may still occur.
Snow Rim Pad: made of rubber or plastic which fits along the inner perimeter of the horseshoe. The hollow rim is fitted to take the shape of the shoe. When the horse takes a step, the movement forces the rim to move, pushing the snow out. Typically the most popular with Farriers.
Full Snow Pad: A full pad which has a bubble in the middle. The bubble points towards the ground. The idea behind the pad is when the horse steps down the bubble compresses and when the horse raises it foot the bubble pushes out the snow. Excellent pad for full sole coverage.
📣 Reminder that Andrew is now booking routine appointments through the clinic and has some openings available in December. Please contact us for more details!
