Hoofology

14/08/2024

It never rains but it pours...

In the UK (and many other places) we face the challenge of managing the effects of the constant wet/dry cycle on our horses' hooves.

This cycle, where hooves repeatedly go through phases of being wet and then drying out, can have significant implications for hoof health.

How the Wet/Dry Cycle Affects Hoof Structure:

Moisture Absorption: When hooves are exposed to wet conditions, such as after rain or in a moist environment, they absorb water. This makes the hoof wall more pliable and expands its structure slightly.

While a certain level of moisture is essential for flexibility, excessive absorption can lead to over-softening. The hoof becomes more susceptible to wear, and the soft tissues inside the hoof, such as the laminae, can become compromised.

Drying Out: Once the environment shifts to dry conditions, the hooves rapidly lose the absorbed moisture. This sudden change can cause the hoof to contract, leading to cracks and fissures in the hoof wall. Over time, repeated cycles of expansion and contraction weaken the hoof's overall structure.

A study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science notes that the wet/dry cycle is a leading factor in hoof wall separation and cracking, which can be a gateway for infections such as abscesses.

Compromised Hoof Integrity: Continuous exposure to fluctuating moisture levels can also lead to a condition known as "hoof horn deterioration." The outer layer of the hoof wall, which serves as a protective barrier, becomes brittle and more prone to chipping and breaking.

This is particularly problematic in horses that are active or those with a heavy workload, as they need strong, resilient hooves to support their movements and weight.

Research Insights:

A 2021 study from the American Journal of Veterinary Research highlights that horses exposed to environments with significant wet/dry fluctuations are at a higher risk for conditions such as white line disease, thrush, and laminitis. These conditions not only affect the hoof but can lead to lameness and long-term health issues if not properly managed.

Preventive Measures:

Regular Trimming and Maintenance: Keeping the hooves trimmed prevents overgrowth, which can exacerbate cracking and other damage during the dry phase of the cycle. Frequent inspections and prompt attention to any signs of cracking or splitting are vital.

Environmental Management: If possible, controlling the environment to reduce extreme wetness or dryness can help.

Dietary Support: Adequate nutrition, including supplements like biotin, can improve hoof quality and resilience.

Research shows that proper diet can enhance the hoof's ability to withstand environmental stressors, including the wet/dry cycle.

Maintaining hoof health is a year-round commitment, but understanding the science behind how the wet/dry cycle affects your horse's hooves can help you take proactive steps to protect them.

13/08/2024

Perks of the job ❤️

07/08/2024

I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that's deeply affecting many horse owners and lovers out there: Laminitis.

This painful condition, often linked to metabolic issues, can be incredibly challenging. Seeing our beloved horses in pain can make us feel helpless, but it's important to remember that there is hope.

The pony in this video was due to be put to sleep a few months ago. Her insulin levels were at (likely above) the upper lab reference range and x-rays showed significant rotation and distal descent (sinking) of all four feet.

She was in constant, excruciating pain despite high doses of NSAIDs and boots with thick padding.

A couple of very kind humans decided to take over her care and management and within days, the pony started to improve.

Her diet was changed completely, her supplements were optimised and she was allowed to move, at will, on supportive footing - at all other times, she wore boots and therapeutic padding.

Her feet are trimmed every 2 weeks to alleviate any leverage and her frogs are being treated for deep thrush.

Within a week she was off all pain medication and her insulin levels had returned to normal within 6 weeks.

She does have a long road ahead of her and the damage to her feet is significant - some of this damage will even be permanent, but since her road to recovery began some 3 months ago, she has not taken a single lame step.

Laminitis doesn't have to be a death sentence. With proper care, management, and early intervention, many horses can lead happy, comfortable lives.

Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper hoof care are essential. There are also numerous support groups and resources available that offer valuable advice and emotional support.

If you or someone you know is dealing with laminitis, don't lose hope. Stay informed, stay proactive, and lean on your community for support.

02/08/2024

Embracing Balance in Equine Hoofcare 🐴

Can barefoot hoofcare and farriery co-exist? Absolutely! 🌿🔨

In the world of equine care, there's often debate about the best approach to hoofcare. But the truth is, both barefoot hoofcare and traditional farriery have their place and can complement each other beautifully.

Barefoot hoofcare emphasizes the natural state of the horse's hoof, encouraging a more natural gait and often improving hoof health through careful trimming and proper management. It can be a great option for horses in environments that support barefoot living.

On the other hand, farriery provides essential support in situations where a horse's hooves need additional protection or correction. For horses with specific medical conditions, performing demanding activities, or navigating challenging terrains, the right shoe can make a significant difference in comfort and performance.

By understanding the unique needs of each horse, we can make informed decisions that prioritize their health and well-being. Whether it’s a barefoot approach, the use of therapeutic shoes, or a combination of both, what matters most is finding the balance that works for each individual horse.

Let's celebrate the diversity in hoofcare and appreciate the expertise of both barefoot trimmers and farriers.

After all, a happy, healthy horse is the ultimate goal! 🐎💚

01/08/2024

Yup!!!

“It depends.”

The unhelpful but ultimately most honest answer you’re going to get from an experienced professional, regardless of the area of expertise.

Someone asked me how I determine wall height when trimming…

It depends.

The amount of concavity, the amount of sole depth, the amount of ‘callous,’ the thickness of the hoof wall, the capsular distortion, even the moisture content and ‘distortion-ability’ of the capsule.

It also depends on the health in the back of the foot. I’m going to leave more to protect a compromised frog, for instance.

Then also, what type of terrain are we going to be on, mainly? How did the horse respond to the previous trim?

Sometimes we have to do more, sometimes less.

Is the horse freshly out of shoes? Transitioning from wet to dry or vice versa?

Has the previous cycle been a little too long?

The horses I trim, I also have to ride, so they need to walk off the same or better than before the trim.

I have the benefit of being able to trim more in a few days with horses on-site, so I can be conservative if needed.

If it’s a horse I won’t see for a while, I have to weigh my options carefully.

Most horses want some peripheral load on the unpigmented wall around the tip of P3 especially.

I generally reduce peripheral load on the pigmented wall if I can, but sometimes we don’t have the vertical depth of sole or thickness of unpigmented wall to do that.

There’s a reason why most professionals can’t give you a concise answer.

Because they have learned the hard way, ‘it depends.’

That takes years and years of being open to whatever the horse needs.

08/07/2024

Owners of the world: Unite!!

Nothing quite like a get together between like minded people 😁.

This Saturday and Sunday saw Sarah Oliver from Dare2bebarefoot teach "Barefoot Hoof Care for Horse Owners" at Eat Sleep Ride CIC just outside Berwick.

Hoofology was kindly invited along to assist on Sunday and, as far as I could tell, everyone not only enjoyed themselves a great deal, a lot was learned by all attending.

So, here goes my tuppence: dear horse owners of all persuasions, please, please educate yourselves.

Ask, question, read and then ask some more. There is literally no limit to the knowledge and know-how available to you. You just have to, well, ask!

Your HCP (regardless of which school!!!) should encourage your questions and your efforts to learn as much as you can about your horse.

They should be available to answer your questions and respond to any worries or concerns that you have.

In fact, you should be able to chew their ear off and brainstorm with them in times when things are not so straightforward. (I love my brainstorming sessions with you guys - you know who you are 😆).

They should never make you feel stupid or uneducated or worried about voicing concerns or asking questions.

In fact: if they tell you that you SHOULDN'T question them because they are the pro and they know what they're doing or that your questions are superfluous, you should perhaps look for alternatives.

So, if an opportunity like this course comes along, DO IT! If not, ask questions, query, read and then ask more questions 😁

But, please do all of us hardworking HCPs a favour: make sure that your sources are reputable and that the science is sound!!

Thanks again for inviting me along and it was great to meet such dedicated owners ❤️

02/07/2024

Tuesday musings...(WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT)

Thanks to the lovely Sarah Oliver from Dare2bebarefoot, I had a few cadaver legs to spend the afternoon with today.

Cadaver trimming, in my opinion, is a hugely important part of any trim training - for many reasons.

Even when you have been trimming for a while, it's a good thing to go back to occasionally - it's a very good way to train your eye and to gauge how well you read the foot that is in front of you.

One foot in particular was a very good exampke of that: concavity is a term that we hear mentioned all the time as the ultimate feature to aspire to. And, in a healthy, fully functional foot, it's a thing of beauty.

But: is all concavity created equal? Absolutely not!

This foot had the most extreme concavity I have come across so far. Had you stopped at "concavity" and decided that due to the concavity you had plenty of room to back and lower the toe, you would have hit blood after a few rasp strokes!

Because, what this foot also told you was:

- no collateral groove depth to speak of, especially at the frog apex
- frog apex almost indistinuishable from the sole
- contracted heels, pinched frog
- completely atrophied digital cushion
- frog very malleable to the touch
- sole at toe very easily depressed by light thumb pressure

I wanted to know exactly how far you could rasp before you ran into a lot of trouble if you were to ignore all of the above pointers and it was even sooner than I thought - a couple of rasp strokes!!!

And, because the oppostunity doesn't present itself that often, I decided to find out how thick the sole actually is - my callipers measured barely 2mm.

Incidentally, the frog would have equally bled with one knife stroke.

Conclusion: a properly performed trim is a sum of many parts, never formulaeic and absolutely individual to the foot in front of you based on the information this particular foot gives you.

29/06/2024

There's no excuse!!

For any of the things you see in the below pictures - all of this is due to wilful neglect:

- Thinking that trim intervals don't apply

- Spending your money on something "better" that month

- Not being bothered to educate yourself on what the animals in your care require to be fit and healthy

- Thinking that, when you finally get a hoof care professional, they will trim out all of the problems you've created, so no harm done...

Well, actually, no: as the owner, you have a duty of care to your animals and, in my humble opinion, you cannot let them become collateral damage to the choices you make.

What's more: we, as hoof care professionals, are not responsible for funding your hobby. We are, however, responsible for speaking up for the horses under our care.

To clarify: I am not talking about owners who, for whatever reasons, cannot provide the volume of care they would like to provide. I think I speak for most of my colleagues when I say: we'll work with you to figure something out.

24/06/2024

Trimming wars...

By now, everyone will be aware of the "trimming wars" - hard to miss, especially because what seems to be lacking most is respect for other professionals and other opinions and views, never mind science!

The reality, as I see it, is: there is no one way of trimming that is to be considered the one and only "correct" way (see The Horse's Hoof newsletter which, by the way, is highly recommended for a BALANCED view on all things barefoot).
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/SYoZ6ixGeT5KhjBV/

In fact, many things that we do (or don't do) as practitioners of varying schools are very similar and sometimes differ only in nuances.

Whilst we all go out, every day, to do our best for your horses, I consider those that open their minds and expand their horizons to be the ones that are worth listening to.

Many of us, over the years, have become somewhat "feral" trimmers, in other words, we have taken those approaches that work and incorporated them into our practices - regardless of which "competing" school they came from.

So, those that are humble enough to listen and learn have been able to considerably expand their "arsenal"!

I consider myself lucky in that I have colleagues who, with years of experience ahead of me, are happy to share their knowledge and support others in the same field of work.

Call it a counter movement but I certainly hope that this collaborative climate prevails and grows ❤️

20/06/2024

Yes!!!

I’ve two horses here who are so bad with their feet, I cannot—or will not—have them see my farrier. The one is quite new here and the other, I’ve had long enough to fix. This is not a proud admission, by the way.

But there it is. When these two horses’ feet need doing, I am the one who is left dealing, which is as it should be. I own them; it is my responsibility. While I may acknowledge the situation, I am not wholly accepting of it. I bought them, thinking these problems would be an easy fix.

I was wrong.

Both horses can have their feet picked out. When having them trimmed and rasped, however, all bets are off. This tells me that it’s not a fear issue, so much as a trained response.

Both horses come from somewhat dodgy, largely unknown backgrounds. Judging by their behaviours and reactions to certain other things in their lives, I’d say that nobody took the time, early on when they were colts, to show either horse how to accept having its feet done. How to balance on three legs, knowing that a rest break would come.

Nobody since has had the chops to correct what has spiraled down into bad territory.

Thing is, that was then. They’re now mine.

I woke up last night with the stark realization that these horses both need their trimming issues brought to the forefront. That they have been quietly falling through the cracks all their lives.

I can see that they are still not great around the feet and lower legs, despite having done some solid rope work with them, late last fall. Teaching them to ‘lead with their feet’, to accept handling, giving and taking back calmly, all were improved.

Somewhat… but not enough. Both can still sn**ch their feet away, in a flash. The one isn’t above taking a shot at you, on the way down.

“Oops, did your knee get in the way of my foot? My bad.” This sort of thing is enough to keep them from ever being Keystone sale horses, no matter their charms under saddle.

I’ve been working around them, thinking they’ll get better as they progress in their riding. So many times, we see that the problems with handling feet are often a sign that the horse is worried, tense and afraid. As the working relationship grows and deepens, those iffy things can fade away.

We’re not dealing with that here, however. We’re dealing with something else. It’s important to be able to see the difference.

I’m faced with the product of years of iffy handling that is now sitting squarely on my plate. It’s my problem and not my farrier’s… and I urge you, if you have a similar situation, to get cracking. If you need help, there are worse reasons to send a horse to a professional trainer. We cannot expect our hoof guy, or gal, to gamely deal with the fallout from our lack of prep.

Farriers and trimmers do feet; they’re not to be ‘used’ as horse trainers. More importantly, if your horse puts them out of commission through injury, they’re going to be unable to pay their own bills. Being a good client, therefore, comes with responsibility.

Some horses, because of what they’ve been through in the past, what they’ve perceived as legit behaviour for prior wrongdoing, will just not come around with ordinary measures. The old-fashioned word for this is ‘spoiled’, though it is an unpalatable word for many of us, any more.

No matter my choice of words, it is up to me to find the nature of the problem.

Can it properly be addressed with more effort? Most horses, yes. Others may be in pain on a hard floor and need soft support underfoot. Some are committed enough to say no to any sort of change. They may need safe bodily restraint, such as a set of stocks. They may need some expert handling with a soft rope, to learn to ‘lead with their feet’. They may need a scotch hobble, for the horse who habitually kicks at the handler.

Safety, first, then. Done well, none of these methods are unkind… though they can be, if done wrongly. We will do our best to avoid them but I’m not out of tools, if needs be.

Some horses may need a little sedative from the veterinarian, if they prove dangerous to themselves and to everyone around them. Most horses who have a problem with having their feet done just need more help from someone who is dedicated to seeing them get better. I’ll keep you posted as we go along.

I will say that our farriers can be helpful, if we ask what they see as the problem and what might be done to help. Invited to be part of the team, the solution, they are an invaluable resource.

One thing I know for sure, that when we concentrate on filling that one big hole, most times, the other little bumps smooth out, too. Filling holes is always a worthwhile endeavour.

Shown here is Cisco, a horse who, for the whole of her life, absolutely fought the traditional clamping of the foot between the farrier’s knees. Mike found that the mare would stand all day long, if only one squatted down and allowed her to rest her foot on one’s thigh. It was a leap of faith, at first, a reminder that sometimes we have to think outside the box to solve our problems.

In this picture, Cisco is calmly getting a last minute ‘re-tread’, before heading out in the drizzle to gather bulls. She was an excellent horse for our entire family and I love Iain's quiet support, up at her head. Their overall kinship had me pause, amid a usual ranching day’s 'busy-ness' to take the shot. Years later, I’m so glad that I did.

03/06/2024

Some morning mare spam - certain discussions are, apparently, still to be had but the new kids seem like a friendly bunch ❤️

02/06/2024

Welcome to the HOOFOLOGY herd, Lark &Wren ❤️. That now makes 5 mares...🤯🙄😳

01/06/2024

Fact vs. opinion

For facts, please consult sources such as this!

23/05/2024

Snake oil vs. science

I just leave this here and strongly encourage you all to listen and make up your own minds.

Whatever you take away from this podcast, I applaud these two highly experienced, knowledgeable and time-served pros for speaking up and out!

Our most gritty podcast to date by far, Matthew Jackson and Mark Johnson tackle the emotive and divisive subject of what can almost also be described as a dictatorship emerging within barefoot hoof care.With some incredulous claims and absolute st...

22/05/2024

2024's CPD is going well 😁

19/05/2024

This is an amazing opportunity!

Whether you're interested in a career in hoofcare or just keen to learn, this is definitely one to put in your diary.

The Gateway Clinic The Foundation For All LH Hoof Care Training Programs The 4.

28/04/2024

“This study together with our previous work has provided us with the important take-home message that you cannot presume that just because your horse or pony is lean or of ideal bodyweight it is automatically at reduced risk,” said Sarah Nelson...

It’s not just obese ponies who can be at high risk of laminitis, a newly published study has confirmed. Obesity, despite its significant hea...

23/04/2024

CPDing along...

17/04/2024

Yep, it's a jungle out there!! A lot of us trimming on a professional basis choose to stay out of the argument(s) and instead, quietly, collaborate with other pros (often from different schools).

So, I'm glad that these two, highly respected and experienced pros, speak up and have a civilised discourse.

Remember, it's not those who shout the loudest and certainly not those who insult and defame the most that are right!

Hoofcare on social media is now spread across more platforms than its possible to shake a stick at or so it seems, with an equally diverse range of opinions, passions and how too's accompanying the topic.Who's right and who's wrong? Is it about th...

15/04/2024

Yes, you can do it!! And remember: we, as your HCPs, feel your pain, your worry and your elation ❤️

The Rehab Rollercoaster

There was a time when my emotions were directly tied to how sound or lame my horse was that day.

When I was struggling with Vinnie’s navicular diagnosis and soft tissue tears, I used to drive to the barn sick to my stomach of what I would find that day. Would he be dead lame? Would he look okay? What was I going to find walking to his paddock? It became such a huge part of my day to day life and honestly was exhausting. I am glad for the journey it sent me on- the hoofcare certifications, travel around the world, the friends I’ve made- and I don’t regret any of it.

But man, in the moment, it was hard.

I am happy to say that Vinnie is doing well living on a track system here at home with a herd of geldings, comfortable, playful, and content. I no longer hold my breath when I go to feed in the morning.

But I remember the “Rehab Rollercoaster” that can control your emotions all too well.

When going through rehab for soundness issues, it can be easy to hyperfocus on what’s wrong. The wrong step, the head bob, the ouchy turn, the less than fluid movement, the joint that just doesn’t have the range of motion you want it too. And that’s where we start to spiral. That’s where we spend all our time watching and waiting for it to turn.

Now, owning a hoof rehab facility, I have realized that with every case being so unique, I had to shift my focus and perspective on its head.

Instead of focusing on the large glaring issues in the beginning of rehab, or throughout the process even, in order to assess progress I had to find the little changes.

I started seeing the small improvements….

The quality and angle of the wall at the hairline.
The more balanced wear patterns of the hoof.
The depth of the collateral grooves.
The firmness of the frog.
The texture of the sole.
The width of the back half of the foot.
The angle of the hairline at the heel bulbs.
The feeling when palpating the frog and digital cushion.
The tightness of the white line connection.

And slowly, I can start to notice some slightly bigger things.

The more extended stride length.
The willingness to weight the back half of the foot in movement.
The comfort over harder surfaces or gravel.
The willingness to move farther to find the next hay station.
The personality and playfulness returning.
The change in tension lines throughout the body.
The more comfortable posture at rest.

Sometimes, we don’t see a sound horse for months or even years (!) as the body unravels years of compensation and damage while also working to strengthen areas to compensate for internal pathology or heal past injury.

Sometimes, like as a bit of a cruel joke, we see rehab horses fall into two categories:

With some horses, we see soundness return quickly.

With some, consistent comfort is a journey where we see all the smaller changes as the body relearns proper ways to move to prevent reinjury.

If you have a horse you are rehabbing that falls in the first category- give them a hug and thank them for showing you that it can be done.

If you are rehabbing a horse that falls in the second category- this month, try to find one improvement in their hoof or body to know you are headed in the right direction. If you can’t find one, have another set of eyes to see if they can find any changes. If there truly isn’t any positive change, you may need to redirect your approach, whether that be diet, environment, bloodwork, hoofcare approach, etc.

The small changes are what are going to allow the large changes (soundness!) to stick around for the long haul. We need to develop strong structures to develop a sound horse.

Sometimes the Rehab Rollercoaster is unkind.
Sometimes it gets stuck or gets derailed.
Sometimes there are sudden drops or sharp turns.
So many of us have been there.
You can do this. You’re doing great.

24/03/2024

When you've had a loooong, hard winter...
..maybe the end is in sight 🎉🙄?!

Nope, the problems just change - midges, flies, horseflies et al aside, we're actively moving in to prime laminitis season, folks!!!

Realistically, we've never left it with winter being so mild but with rising temperatures and sunnier days NOW is the time to get vigilant and get up to speed on signs and symptoms of grass sensitivity and sub-clinical inflammation.

Whether your horse is known to be "at risk" or not, the earlier you act when things go awry, the better your chance for a successful outcome.

And, whilst you still have the chance, get weight off and get them moving!

15/03/2024

Sometimes good is not perfect...
..sometimes good is the best you can get away with!

These two donkeys were horrendously overgrown AND absolutely terrified.

Their feet had grown so long that these two were walking on and almost entirely supporting their weight on their bulbs.

After almost three hours, a lot of gentle coaxing and many, many breaks these two guys were at the end of their tether and we called it a day.

There's no doubt that these feet are nowhere near perfect but they are, at least, in a much more upright position.

19/02/2024

It's upon us - there's never a bad time to be prepared!!

09/02/2024

The problem with dogmatism...

OR: every day is a school day, many roads lead to Rome and everyone has something to teach you if you are humble enough to learn!

And thus Hoofology spent a day hanging out with and over the shoulder of the fab Sarah Oliver from Dare2bebarefoot, proving unequivocally that peeps from different schools can get along rather well and respect and appreciate each others work, views and opinions.

Thanks for having me 😁❤️

23/01/2024

I'm not saying that I'm right and others are wrong.

I AM saying that this is how I do things. And this is what works for my clients and their horses 🐎

19/01/2024

Here's your homework, everyone - read as many times as necessary to internalise. I'll be testing you 😉.

In all seriousness though, there is some massively pertinent information in here - huge thanks to The Humble Hoof for taking and sharing these notes.

14/01/2024

Gotta say: I appreciate you all, not least because you don't ask silly questions ❤️😆