Ironbark Barehoof Trimming

12/02/2025

80% to 90% of all laminitis cases are a result of metabolic issues. If your horse, pony, donkey, or mule has laminitis, assume that your equine has EMS/IR (Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance) and start him or her on the Emergency Diet right away. Blood tests are also in order. Test glucose and insulin for EMS/IR, and if PPID/Cushing's disease is suspected, test ACTH. For details on the best ways to deal with and prevent laminitis, go here: https://bit.ly/2J4ZgYT

12/02/2025

This is handy as a reminder to try to minimise iron levels in all feeds and supplements given to your horse 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/share/19riEdKSAR/

The association of metabolic syndrome and iron overload, indicated by high serum ferritin concentration in humans, is well-known (Stechemesser, Eder et al. 2017). In other mammals, like captive black rhinos and its most closely related species, the horse, iron overload is primarily dietary in origin. Due to the similarity between these two species, horses were used as an alternative model by researchers studying the relationship between metabolic disease and iron overload in captive black rhinos (Nielsen, Vick et al. 2012).

Because black rhinos are critically endangered, and captive animals have diseases induced or exacerbated by iron overload, treatment and prevention is paramount to improve their health and longevity. Therefore, feeding protocols that limit dietary iron intake were utilized in captive rhinos. This resulted in the successful reduction of hyperferritinemia, an approach that should improve the health and longevity for this endangered species (Sullivan, Mylniczenko et al. 2020).

Excessive iron is stored in body tissues, spleen, liver, small intestine, and lung. In all species studied, elevated body iron storage is both a risk factor and a consequence of insulin resistance, while reducing body iron reduces risk and improves insulin sensitivity. Drs. Eleanor Kellon and Kathleen Gustafson described the association of hyperferritinemia and hyperinsulinemia (high serum ferritin and insulin) in horses (Kellon and Gustafson 2020). While emphasizing that high dietary iron is an unlikely independent causal factor in the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), they stressed that the association between iron overload and EMS in horses is worthy of research, as it has been in other species. Their publication was recognized by other researchers studying human Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Human type II diabetes (T2DM) with abnormal insulin signaling has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Researchers studied the brains of aged donkeys and found lesions similar to those found in humans with AD (Malbon, Lorena et al. 2022). They say, “The finding of shared neuropathological changes with humans opens the door to perhaps the most intriguing aspect; their (donkey and human) shared susceptibility to metabolic dysfunctions. The triad of T2DM, obesity, and AD are intricately linked in humans with insulin dysregulation one of the main common factors. Equids, in particular donkeys, are known to be prone to their own version of insulin resistance, in the form of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). An additional area of interest for further investigation is the link between iron levels, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegeneration. Ferritin levels have been linked to hyperinsulinemia in horses (Kellon and Gustafson 2020), whilst in humans altered iron homeostasis is known to occur in numerous forms of neurodegeneration.”

The ECIR Group Inc. encourages and supports further research aimed at increasing knowledge of the complex association and mechanisms surrounding EMS, PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), iron overload, and neurodegeneration (McFarlane, Dybdal et al. 2005, McFarlane 2007). This is the time for research directed towards equines with EMS and/or PPID as a primary research model, instead of a secondary stand-in for other species.

REFERENCES
Kellon, E. M. and K. M. Gustafson (2020). "Possible dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia in hyperinsulinemic horses." Open Vet J 9(4): 287-293.

Malbon, A. J., S. Lorena, W. L. A., G.-M. Danielle, P. Georgios, M. Neil, S. Tobias, M. Bruce and H. Caroline (2022). "Alzheimer-like pathology in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of aged donkeys." Neurobiology of Aging 113: 7-14.

McFarlane, D. (2007). "Advantages and limitations of the equine disease, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction as a model of spontaneous dopaminergic neurodegenerative disease." Ageing Research Reviews Ageing Research Reviews 6(1): 54-63.

McFarlane, D., N. Dybdal, M. T. Donaldson, L. Miller and A. E. Cribb (2005). "Nitration and increased alpha-synuclein expression associated with dopaminergic neurodegeneration in equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction." J Neuroendocrinol 17(2): 73-80.

Nielsen, B. D., M. M. Vick and P. M. Dennis (2012). "A potential link between insulin resistance and iron overload disorder in browsing rhinoceroses investigated through the use of an equine model." J Zoo Wildl Med 43(3 Suppl): S61-65.

Stechemesser, L., S. K. Eder, A. Wagner, W. Patsch, A. Feldman, M. Strasser, S. Auer, D. Niederseer, U. Huber-Schonauer, B. Paulweber, S. Zandanell, S. Ruhaltinger, D. Weghuber, E. Haschke-Becher, C. Grabmer, E. Rohde, C. Datz, T. K. Felder and E. Aigner (2017). "Metabolomic profiling identifies potential pathways involved in the interaction of iron homeostasis with glucose metabolism." Mol Metab 6(1): 38-47.

Sullivan, K. E., N. D. Mylniczenko, S. E. Nelson, Jr., B. Coffin and S. R. Lavin (2020). "Practical Management of Iron Overload Disorder (IOD) in Black Rhinoceros (BR; Diceros bicornis)." Animals (Basel) 10(11).

11/02/2025

We really respect Carol Layton's approach to this ... she's done the hard work for us in tracking down reputable sources to refute (or not) this popular method of trying to ascertain the nutritional needs of your equine.
Carol Layton is a qualified Australian equine nutritionist who regularly lectures all over Australia.

https://balancedequine.com.au/hair-testing/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIYuJFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYb5tLjQ3o0N4vghhNAc6C4s6I8Z5cQAjVZyfiCLimzYDDszQ9IqMRa2FA_aem_aj9WwqbN_2J6ruf7vf7XLg

Hair TestingSending a hair sample to a laboratory, whether it be from the mane or tail, or the coat is considered by many nutritionists/scientists/vets to

04/02/2025

This is so important... as hoofcare providers, we struggle to persuade clients to start managing laminitis as soon as any of the signs and symptoms are detected (often by your trimmer or farrier).
The consequences of ignoring these can often be catastrophic in the long-term. It's a life-long management situation for ANY horse which has ever had laminitis

27/01/2025

An interesting read ... it makes us wonder how horses fare when they're in a paddock or yard with no shelter in this current hot and humid weather, and especially those which are rugged. We're even seeing some being exercised vigorously in the middle of the day ...

An equine nutritionist describes the connections between heat shock and leaky gut in horses and what you can do to prevent these problems.

18/12/2024

🙂

Just me, waiting on people to take their laminitic ponies off green grass.

18/12/2024

Timely advice in our area 🙂

13/12/2024

Interesting article for those who have horses grazing grasses high in oxalates 🙂

10/12/2024

Another handy list of laminitis symptoms from international experts in the field of laminitis management 🙂

If these symptoms sound familiar, your horse could have subclinical laminitis. Join our free outreach group and post your concerns under NEW TOPIC. You'll hear back from one of our volunteers who will give information on what you can do right away to help your horse, donkey, or mule. Our goal is NO Laminitis! https://ecir.groups.io/g/main

20/11/2024

So true 🙂
It's not the job of the farrier/trimmer to teach your horse to stand quietly and balanced, whilst holding one foot up to be trimmed.
We're always happy to show owners how to train their horses to do this, but our time and health are too valuable to be expending effort on untrained horses

22/10/2024

Beautiful Thistle and her lovely owner demonstrating just what a Gypsy Cob can do 😍
If you look carefully at the first photo, she's modelling her show-worthy bare feet (surrounded by floof 😂)

03/10/2024

Something to think about if your horse suddenly starts to become tight and spooky 🙂

03/10/2024

A really interesting study on the incidence of kissing spine in both unbroken and working thoroughbred horses 🙂

https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/6/javma.22.09.0419.xml?fbclid=IwY2xjawFqxvhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcUgw4W8ZnSSHRKAlDTF_cZhQGcPR69YlTe2lo8OTw51ViNpzjDdgKtn0A_aem_F-ADoMUvttOhBO-8A0lVqg

Abstract OBJECTIVE The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of radiographic abnormalities of the interspinous spaces (ISSs) in the thoracolumbar vertebral column of unbroken yearlings and to compare these findings with a group of older trained Thoroughbred...

02/10/2024

As Sarah says, any of our clients who've been on our books for some time ... no need to worry about this post, we appreciate you and your horses enormously! 😍

This post is designed to help those owners who tell us that they've had trouble getting or keeping trimmers (although we do know that there are some hoofcare professionals out there who don't appear to be very good at communication 🙄 ... this seems to affect more owners in our area than one would think).

But for owners of horses which aren't ready for us to start on as soon as we arrive, or which can't stand still, or which kick ... these are all major red flags 🚩 for hoofcare professionals. We have yet to meet an owner who's offered to pay our costs whilst we recuperate from injury 😊

Edited to add; I'm always a bit reluctant posting these sorts of posts because its always the loveliest clients who worry if they're not being good, and the people who need to fix themselves the most who probably won't read this. Just wanted to say if you've been on my books more than 5 visits I can just about guarantee I don't mean you, and I love and appreciate all of my wonderful ongoing clients so much

13/09/2024

03/09/2024

Loretta makes wonderful gear to order 🙂

30/08/2024

So true...

The only point we would disagree with is please don't have food or treats near or on you when we're under your horse.

99.9% of horses will concentrate almost fully on the promise of food ... and your hoof care provider being under your horse is the very time when the horse should be concentrating completely on the trimmer 🙂
(there are as always the occasional exceptions to this request, but a lot fewer than many owners realise 🙂)

👉 YOU GET THE TRIM YOU STAND FOR 👈

Period.

- Training/Behaviors: It is NOT the job of the hoof care provider to train your young or green horse to stand for trims WHILE trying to trim them. It is the responsibility of the of the horse owner to work with the horse before calling out the HCP and setting the horse up for a comfortable, calm appointment. Of course we will work with you and your baby brained equine as they grow and mature, but do not expect picture perfect trims if said equine cannot hold still enough for them. And do not expect us to wrestle with them if they are not ready.

- Pain: Pain is a FACTOR, not an EXCUSE. Ooooo. I may ruffle feathers with this one. Pain? Behavior? Both? A horse with an old injury, arthritis, etc will need special considerations during hoof care appointments. Yes, 100%. But also realize, PAIN INFLUENCES BEHAVIOR, and can most certainly make for undesirable and dangerous behaviors at that. *Again, it is not the HCP's job to put themself at risk working with an uncooperative equine for any reason.* If you have a horse in pain, it is YOUR job as the owner or caretaker to properly manage that pain and work with the horse to find ways for them to stand through trims as comfortably as possible. Without this attention, behaviors like ripping legs away, kicking out, biting, avoiding, etc. can develop. Just because they are defensive responses due to pain, DOES NOT MEAN THE HCP HAS TO PUT THEMSELF AT RISK DEALING WITH THEM. (Can I get an Amen?) The pain brings about the behavior. If the horse truly cannot stand for trims in a way that works for them AND the HCP due to pain and dysfunction, then that's another conversation about quality of life.

My shoulder was injured last November due to being ripped around by uncooperative horses. It will never be the same. I can speak for countless HCPs when I say we've been injured (sometimes permanently) in our work. Working with horses comes with a risk. Things happen. One way we can reduce those risks is to be selective with the animals we take on. This is our livelihood. These are the only bodies we get. There is no magic farrier dust that comes out of our rasps that solves behavior challenges, regardless of where those behaviors stem from. With these challenging situations, expect either an incomplete trim, or no trim at all. We have limits.

Some tips:

-Take the time! Pick up. Put down. Repeat. Do it again. Hold it longer. Repeat. Build strength and duration and in doing so it will also build trust and patience. We come out once a month. There is no progress if the only hoof handling the horse gets is during appointments.

-Manage the pain! Daily CBD, Equioxx, strength building through appropriate exercise, massage, etc. Make sure the approach to pain management matches the level of pain the horse is in! CBD is great but they may need something more like Equioxx. Equioxx is great but if the pain is acute, maybe some bute or dorm gel needs to be on board.

-Find what works! If a horse has limited range of motion, train them to prop their hoof on something close to the ground and STAND STILL in that spot. Find where they are comfortable and train them to hold there. Home Run Hoofstand LLC is a neat creation for those horses who need their limbs low!

-Think outside the box- Clicker training, "open bar" feeding with hay pellets, tying up a hay net, etc. can be low stress ways to help keep the horse distracted enough to let us HCPs do the work that needs to be done.

The point is, there are numerous ways to address hoof care hiccups. In order for a horse to remain on the schedule, I have to first be able to trim them without putting my physical wellbeing at risk. Horses with repeated and unaddressed challenging behaviors will not be kept on the rotation for long. Losing my physical ability to work is not worth your horse's hooves.