Bare and Balanced Hoofcare

04/25/2025

This time of year, springtime in the northern hemisphere, if I see any “sudden” or new hoof problems, I assume it’s the grass.

Is your horse moving a little slower than previously? A little “lazier” all the sudden?

Is your horse suddenly less willing to canter or trot in turn out?

Is your horse now picking their path a bit more on the trail, and avoiding stones more than usual?

Do you have a resurgence of thrush, wall cracks or chips, white line disease, or hoof quality issues?

Is that old on again/off again lameness suddenly “on” again?

Does your horse turn a little slower than before, and you think it’s just their arthritis suddenly flaring up (even though the weather is warming up)?

It might be the grass.

If your horse has ANY access to grass this time of year, even if it’s just the grass edging in a “dry lot” paddock, and you see any change in hoof comfort, soundness, or hoof quality- it might be the grass.

I know your horses love it. I know you love to see them happy. I know for some “they never had issues with the grass before.”

Just trust me. Trial your horse off fresh spring grass and see if you notice any difference in comfort or new hoof growth at the hairline.

I’m telling you. It might be the grass.

Photo of one of my “grass free tracks” with a little bit of grass edging which could even be too much for a super sensitive horse.

04/25/2025

04/24/2025

👏🏼🙌🏼👏🏼

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.

04/24/2025

04/20/2025

Why I refrain from angles when it comes to working on and assessing if the changes I have made are for the better of the horse.

I want you to in your head line 10 people up, all shapes, sizes, different ages, different issues and then draw lines over each one of them and ask do they all fit your ideal of perfect and if not what are we going to do to make them all conform.

Sounds crackers right ??? Yet Why do we insist that every horse no matter what the individual requirements of that horse must all conform to our ideal of perfect and we will manipulate the body at all costs in the quest for the ideal

What do I see in almost every one of these pictures??? It may look better in one section yet almost always it comes at a cost to another and often it comes at the cost of a load shift onto the knees (stifles) and as they begin to turn out, the hocks begin to turn in and the toes begin to turn out shoving dysfunction right back upto the sacroiliac area, and in turn the push cannot come through for the front end and a chicken and egg situation begins.

What do I want to see on a good functioning body, its simple no sharp angles and no bulging or sunken muscles, for a body that is smooth means each part is working within the parameters of what it can do and stay healthy.

Yet in reality horses like humans have the stresses and strains, ups and downs, injury and illness, a bad hand dealt genetically and all the other things that come with just being alive, so never look for perfection we have got to look for function.

If your horses has athritic changes in the fetlock, hock, back etc it will not move the same as a horse that may not have any issues, and often when I have seen people put their ideal on what they think the horse should be like often further breakdown occurs.

We have social media ideal then real world work where often time is a luxury not a necessity, I have to see where I can get this horse to with time, money, facility constricts added in, the first thing when I look for improvement is simply can the horse begin to change without compromising another area that is where we have to start, if we change to much we cannot take back so small asks often get better results for don't we want to see if the horse can first utilise what we have done before we ask again.

Below are the main areas I look for in assessing the horse, postural changes I do not force I assess throughout the session and allow the horse to begin the postural change when they feel they can for if we force then the horse has not made the decision, and remember force is not just harsh hands its simply not listening to the horse when it says no.

Take away the photo, take away the lines and often you will struggle to know which is before and which is after.

Ps the photo i have used is one of my clients horses and just for reference, she doesn't have all that s**t going on 😀

04/18/2025

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing.

Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

04/15/2025

Yep!!!

Spring has shown up in full swing over these last few weeks. The grass is coming in, lots of “April showers bring May flowers” rain, and big temperature swings to boot. While the Spring blooms may be beautiful, it does come at a cost – the potential for sore feet.
If your horse has been comfortable all winter, and now either mid-cycle or shortly after a trim, is becoming sore or showcasing changes in their gait, there is a high probability of grass sensitivity. And when I say grass, I mean the sugars in the grass. I promise you, if you’re working with a responsible and communicative hoof care provider, it’s not the trim. Talk to us. When the laminae is compromised (meaning even just a little inflamed or irritated from the sugars in the grass), just the vibrations from the swipes of the rasp can tip the scales to soreness. If you have a grass sensitive horse, here are some tips to save you emotional distress, and most importantly, your horse the discomfort of grass sensitivity.

1. Understanding photosynthesis: The grass converts sunshine to energy (i.e., sugar). The longer the grass cooks under the sun, the more sugar it accumulates. The safest time to turn out is a few hours after dark or early morning before sunrise and coming in early afternoon. (Generally speaking)

2. Stressed grass, or “there’s not much grass in that paddock”, is the highest in sugar. If you can avoid mowing or overgrazing a field, that’s usually a better option. When grass is stressed (i.e., mowing or overgrazing), it goes into survival mode and stores extra sugar. More info at https://www.safergrass.org/

3. Muzzling. While muzzling isn’t a fan favorite for owners, I promise you it’s a heck of a lot better than a sore or laminitic horse. Horses tolerate them quite well and adjust quickly. AND for your Houdini horses, there are a surplus of designs to minimize criminal muzzle removal. If you’re noticing an improvement in comfort a few days after muzzling or being off grass…. There ya go.

4. Monitor temperature swings and rain. If there is a 20–30-degree temperature change from the high to the low, the grass will go into hyperdrive and will have massive sugar spikes. The same goes for heavy rain. If you have a very sensitive horse, it is best to keep them off grass during these big swings and after heavy rains to avoid tempting fate.

5. Dry lot. If you have the option to dry lot your grass sensitive or metabolic horse, this is always the go-to option. Please be sure to provide them 24/7 access to hay and buddies during this time. If your horse is highly sensitive and is in the middle of an episode, it may be best to soak your hay. Though if your horse is episodic, please work with your veterinarian.
- PS If dry lotting, please make sure they have access to shade. In the depths of summer here in GA, dry lots can turn into frying pans.

6. Jiaogulan: https://madbarn.com/jiaogulan-benefits-for-horses/

7. Booting for protection, especially when we have dry spells and the ground turns to concrete.

8. If your horse is acutely uncomfortable, pathological posture/camping out, has trouble turning, etc., please call your veterinarian immediately. These are important things to look out for and can be time sensitive.

9. Speak with your veterinarian on the possibility of metabolic disease and appropriate testing. Early detection can save lives.

Let’s keep our horses safe and comfortable this season!

04/15/2025

THIS RIGHT HERE!!!! 👇🏼 Tis’ the season! 🥴

04/13/2025

The bones don't lie.

Last year, dissectionist and horse woman Becks Nairn came onto the podcast and the conversation blew me away. Not a vet, not a scientist, but a horse woman with good hands and a willingness to try to understand the source of the behavioural and health challenges that seem to face so many horses.

The conversation is still the most downloaded episode of the pod.

So, naturally I invited Becks to return. I am passionate about supporting horse people who are brave, bold, kind and don't manipulate their message so that they offend nobody. But speak the truth plainly from their perspective. I find that trustworthy. I find that comforting. In a field of professionals who seem terrified to offend the people they lead, be a Becks Nairn who remains focused on the horse and truth speaking to the best of their abilities.

Becks Nairn and I went much deeper in this second conversation, and left no stone - or bone- unturned.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.

04/09/2025

This is a must read!!! 🌱🌿☘️

I love you can mean a lot of different things.

…Sometimes it means an extra scratch in that sweet spot.
…Sometimes an extra carrot.
…Sometimes it means a slow, quiet walk to reconnect.
…And sometimes, in the spring, for some horses,

𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀.

Where I live, the grass is just starting to grow. It’s not lush yet, but it’s already high in sugars—especially in the late afternoon after a full day of sun. While some horses can tolerate it just fine, others simply can’t. For our metabolic horses—those with insulin resistance, Cushing’s, or a history of laminitis—even a small amount of pasture can trigger a downward spiral. It can sneak up quickly.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:

•Skipping turnout altogether for now. Early spring grass is high in sugars (Studies show that early spring grass can exceed 20% non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) with levels peaking in the late afternoon after a sunny day. As the grass matures in late spring sugar content decreases, but it’s still important to be cautious for metabolic horses!

• Offering early morning-only turnout when sugar levels are lowest.

•Using a grazing muzzle

• Choosing low sugar and high fiber hay over even a small amount of grass.

•Slowly increasing turnout time and carefully monitoring how your horse responds.

•Monitoring insulin levels and supporting with herbs or meds if needed.

•Spacing out injections, dewormers, and vaccines (when possible, checking titers instead) The HHC just had a great webinar with Dr Lisa Jacobson on this topic! Check it out: www.holistichorsecollective.com

Laminitis doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. It can be quiet at first:

• Slight heat in the hooves
• A digital pulse that wasn’t there yesterday
• A shorter stride
• Hesitation or a misstep in tight circles
• Shifting weight
• A shift in energy, mood, or posture

Those early signs are important. And so is trusting your gut when something feels just a little “off.”

Sometimes I love you sounds like, “Not today… not this season… not anymore” when it comes to pasture.

And that kind of love? It’s proactive. It’s protective. And it can make all the difference. 🌱💫

04/04/2025

04/03/2025

Basic handling for seasoned horse people-

It’s really easy to get complacent as a seasoned horse person. Lifetime horse people can be seen doing extremely dangerous things habitually, and when corrected often brush it off as no big deal.

“My horse would never …” is a frequently uttered statement

And yet, life is lifey. You throw in a couple unexpected variables and soon you have a wreck

A big one for me is lead rope handling -

Not wrapping it in loops and not putting it over your shoulder are really big ones for me - if you like keeping your head and you like your hands, this one is important - the safest horses can still hurt you. It’s important to stay sharp, be aware, and think ahead - that’s the best way I know how to stay safe- assume nothing, prepare, and stay aware.

04/02/2025

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

04/01/2025