Kobus Els Remedial Farriery

07/08/2024

🐴❤️ The Hoof: The Horse's Second Heart ❤️🐴

Did you know? Blood is pumped from the heart through arteries to the hoof, and a unique "pumping mechanism" in the hoof helps return it to the heart! This mechanism is crucial since there are no muscles in the lower leg or hoof to assist blood return.

Inside the hoof, a network of veins called the venous plexus is compressed by the plantar cushion and coffin bone, acting as a pump to push blood up the leg. One-way valves in the veins prevent blood from flowing back, while compression creates a "hydraulic cushion" that absorbs shock and protects the coffin bone.

This amazing valve action generates fluid pressure that, when the hoof is raised, causes blood to flow up the leg and refill the plexuses. When the hoof bears weight, the veins are compressed; when lifted, the veins open, allowing blood to be pushed in by arterial pulses and gravity. The weight of the horse aids in propelling the blood back up the leg, a process often referred to as the "second heart."

31/07/2024

Dealing with Cracks! 🐴💥

A client's horse had a severe hoof crack. Check out how Kobus expertly handled the issue! 👏🛠️

28/07/2024

🐴✨ Types of Shoes: Egg Bar Shoes with Kobus Els Remedial Farriery! ✨🐴

Egg bar shoes are specialised horseshoes that provide support to the heels of the hoof and provide the reduction of strain on the flexor tendon.

Functionality & Benefits:
🔹 Increased Posterior Support: The rounded bar at the back extends the ground surface area, giving robust support to the heel and reducing strain on the flexor tendon.
🔹 Enhanced Posterior Flotation: Distributes the horse's weight more evenly, reducing pressure on any single part of the hoof, offering extra comfort and stability.

When to Use Egg Bar Shoes:
🩺 Navicular Syndrome:** Provides increased heel support and reduces strain.

03/07/2024

🐴 Case Study: Negative Palmer & Planter Angles 🐴

The owner observed that the horse was not behaving normally, frequently tripping, exhibiting increased stiffness during work, and standing very camped out both during work and in the paddock. Despite these issues, there were no signs of lameness, leading to a veterinary examination. 🩺 During the trot-out, the vet found no signs of lameness, inflammation, or heat in the hooves or joints. Although the hooves appeared healthy externally, X-rays revealed a negative palmer angle of the pedal bone in the front leg and a negative planter angle in the hind leg. 📸

To address these issues, Kobus Els used specialised 3D pads designed to provide targeted support and pressure relief. 🛠️ These pads work by redistributing pressure across the hoof, supporting the back half of the hoof, and relieving pressure from the bony column above. Incorporating 3D pads into the horse's hoof care routine enhances overall hoof health and performance, ensuring the horse is more comfortable and less prone to the previously observed issue. 🌟🐎

22/06/2024

5 Frequently asked questions - Farrier Addition ⭐️

FAQ 1: What is the most common hoof problem in horses? 🐴❓
Answer: The most common hoof problem is thrush, a bacterial infection that affects the frog of the hoof. 🦠🐾

FAQ 2: How do I encourage better hoof growth in my horse? 🐎🌱
Answer: Ensure a balanced diet with adequate biotin, zinc, and methionine, and provide regular and correct farrier care. 🥕🍎👨‍🔧

FAQ 3: How can I prevent thrush in my horse’s hooves? 🚫🦠
Answer: Keep the hooves and stables clean and dry, and pick out debris and manure from the hooves at least once a day. 🧹🏡🧽

FAQ 4: When should I apply Stockholm tar, and when should I use hoof oil? 🕯️🛢️
Answer: Apply Stockholm tar to the frog to prevent infections like thrush, and use hoof oil to moisturise and maintain hoof flexibility only in Winter. ❄️🌿

FAQ 5: Are pads bad for your horse’s feet? 🦶❓
Answer: Pads are not inherently bad and can be vital to provide protection and support, but they must be used appropriately based on the horse’s needs and farrier advice. ✅🛠️

20/06/2024

13/06/2024

🐴 Client Review: Another Happy Client! 🐴

At Kobus Els Remedial Farriery, we are thrilled to assist in ensuring our clients' horses are happy and comfortable, even with some of the most complicated feet. 🌟🦄

We love hearing from satisfied clients and are dedicated to providing top-notch care and expertise for every horse we work with. Thank you for trusting us with your equine friends! ❤️👟✨

24/05/2024

Understanding your horse's hoof anatomy is essential for better insight into hoof conditions. 🐴 Continuing our educational series, let's explore the parts of the horse's internal hoof:

⭐️ Hoof Wall: Tough outer layer protecting internal structures, aiding in weight support and shock absorption.
⭐️ Laminae: Thin, interlocking structures connecting the coffin bone to the hoof wall, essential for weight distribution and hoof integrity, containing blood vessels for nutrient supply.
⭐️ Pedal Bone: Also known as the coffin bone, it's a key bone within the hoof, providing structural support and attachment for the hoof wall and laminae.
⭐️ Short Pastern: Bone located between the fetlock joint and the coffin bone, aiding in the absorption of shock and providing support for the horse's weight during movement.
⭐️ Long Pastern: Also called the proximal phalanx, it's the bone between the short pastern and the cannon bone, contributing to shock absorption and providing leverage for movement.
⭐️ Navicular Bone: A small, boat-shaped bone located within the hoof, positioned behind the coffin bone. It plays a crucial role in distributing weight and absorbing shock during movement but can be prone to conditions like navicular syndrome, causing lameness if affected.

22/05/2024

We discussed heart bar shoes last week, and here’s a practical application of the shoe, along with a leather pad. ⭐️

This horse has been dealing with collapsed heels. The heart bar shoe, combined with a pad, offers the necessary support, while promoting correction of the issue.

17/05/2024

⭐️ Types of Shoes: Heart Bar Shoes ⭐️

Heart bar shoes, unlike traditional shoes, extend further back to connect the heels and cover part of the frog, providing critical support for horses with conditions like collapsed heels, quarter cracks and other conditions 🐎🔧

17/05/2024

⭐️Types of Shoes: Heart Bar Shoes ⭐️

Heart bar shoes, unlike traditional shoes, extend further back to connect the two heels and cover part of the frog, providing critical support for horses with conditions like collapsed heels, cracks and other issues. 🐎🔧

15/05/2024

Custom Toe Clips 😎

Every horse has unique needs, and Kobus customises shoes to ensure a perfect fit for every requirement. In this case, the horse tended to slide its shoes back or pull them off. The addition of a toe clip helps secure the shoe and prevent these problems.⭐️

28/03/2024

⭐️ CLIENT REVIEW ⭐️

Highlighting a long-standing partnership with one of our valued clients! We take great pride in our role within the Liberty Stables Journey throughout the years. Sincere thanks for your ongoing support and for choosing Kobus Els Remedial Farriery for your horses' hoof care needs! 🐴✨

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22/03/2024

🐴✨ TYPES OF SHOES: SUSPENSORY SHOES🐴✨

Designed to prevent over-stretching of damaged ligaments, these shoes feature a braid toe that stops sinking into soft ground. 🌿⚙️ Less flexion, more support for a strong recovery!

19/03/2024

TO PAD OR NOT TO PAD?

The topic of using pads in horse shoeing can spark a lot of debate within the equestrian community. With a myriad of options, varying opinions, and technical advice, it's crucial to be informed on the topic.🐴 Pads can indeed revolutionise our horses' comfort, performance, and hoof health, but understanding their role and when to utilise them is what is most important. In our post, we explore what pads entail, the various types available, the reasons for their application, as well as the pros and cons associated with their use - ultimately, answering the question "to pad or not to pad. ⭐️

Have you got any questions? Let us know in the comments! 🐴

13/03/2024

⭐️ 3D PADS ⭐️

3D pads mimic the forces exerted on the barefoot hoof when a shoe is applied. While pads are often a hot topic, their suitability depends on each horse's individual needs, environment and situation, as no two horses are the same🐴. We will be discussing this topic in detail with a later post, so keep your eyes on our socials and make sure you follow us to get the full, inside story! 👈

07/03/2024

🐴💡 Understanding Laminitis in Horses💡🐴

Laminitis is a painful, often recurring condition in horses, ponies, and donkeys, with significant welfare concerns for owners. It affects the tissues (laminae) bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone, causing sinking or rotation under the weight of the horse.

🚨 Causes:
1. Inflammation: Diseases like colic, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
2. Endocrine Disorders: Cushing’s disease (PPID) and Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
3. Mechanical Overload: Supporting limb laminitis (SLL) due to fractures or joint issues.

🔍 Signs
- Lameness
- Strong Digital Pulse
- Heat in the Hoof
- Weight Shifting
- Reluctance to Stand

👨‍🔧 Farrier Care:
1. Trimming and Shoeing
2. Supportive Shoeing
3. Hoof Support
5. Regular Monitoring

Farriers play a vital role in managing laminitis, ensuring comfort and health for our equine companions. Got questions about laminitis or farrier interventions? Drop them below! 🌿💙💪🐴👨‍🔧

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04/03/2024

⭐ SHOEING FOR A LAMINITIS CASE ⭐

Recently, the team was called out for a laminitis case. In this case, we used a specialised W-shoe to provide relief and support. The open-toe design works wonders in alleviating pain caused by the trauma of P3 (pedal bone) rotation. 🔄💢 The addition of the frog provides support to the boney column, preventing further rotation of the pedal bone 🌿✨

At Kobus Els Remedial Farriery, each case is treated based on the horses' situation and unique needs. If you have any questions regarding laminitis or our W-Shoe technique, please send us a message ✉️

01/03/2024

This is what we live for! Happy clients and happy, comfortable and sound horses! 🐴

Start your hoof care journey with us today. Contact Kobus on 0828012663 📞

🐴 .equestrian

26/02/2024

Collapsed Heels: Insights from Kobus Els Remedial Farriery! 💡⁣
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Delving into a common hoof concern: What exactly are collapsed heels and what causes them in our equine friends? 🤔⁣⁣
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👉 Collapsed heels occur when the back part of the hoof loses its natural shape and support, often resulting in discomfort and potential lameness.⁣⁣
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🔍 Causes can range from poor hoof conformation and improper trimming to uneven weight distribution and environmental factors like wet conditions or hard surfaces.⁣⁣
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💡 Prevention plays a crucial role! Regular hoof maintenance, correct shoeing practices, a balanced diet, and attentive monitoring are key steps in maintaining healthy hooves and overall soundness.⁣⁣
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🌟 At Kobus Els Remedial Farriery, we're committed to equine wellness through expert care and education. Let's keep your horse's hooves strong and happy! 🐎💪⁣⁣
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23/02/2024

21/02/2024

At Kobus Els Remedial Farriery, we believe in the power of teamwork for exceptional hoof care. From our farriers to your veterinarians, grooms, and especially our valued clients and owners, collaboration is key. That's why we're committed to educating owners about their horses' feet through our specially designed educational series. Starting with the basics, we focus on the anatomy of the hoof, helping owners and riders grasp the conformation and specific sections we reference. This knowledge empowers owners to make informed decisions for the best care possible.

Parts of the Under Hoof:

⭐️ The Sole - Your Horse's Foundation: The sole is like the sturdy foundation of a building, supporting your horse's weight and protecting sensitive inner structures.
⭐️ The Frog - Nature's Shock Absorber: It aids in traction, blood circulation, and overall hoof health.
⭐️ The Bars - Stability and Support: These structures provide stability and support to the back of the hoof, helping prevent excessive expansion and ensuring balance.
⭐️ The White Line (Laminae) - Strength and Integrity: The white line is crucial for holding the hoof wall securely to the coffin bone, maintaining the integrity of the hoof capsule.
⭐️ The Collateral Groove: It allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof, aiding in circulation and shock absorption.
⭐️ The Heel Bulb: It provides cushioning and support during movement, helping to absorb impact forces.
⭐️ The Central Sulcus: Keeping this area clean and free of debris helps prevent infections and promotes overall hoof health.

By entrusting Kobus Els Remedial Farriery with your horse's hoof care, you are investing in their comfort, performance, and overall well-being. Our goal is to see your equine companion thrive, one step at a time.

15/02/2024

One proverb rings especially true: "Without hooves, there is no horse." Keep in mind that your horse bears approximately 600 kilograms on its feet. Should imbalances arise from neglecting maintenance, they can impose additional strain and potentially harm muscles, tendons, joints, and limbs. ❌