Horseman's Report

The equine hoof is a great example of Mother Nature’s engineering capabilities.  Consider the size and weight of a horse relative to the size of a hoof, and how fast horses can run or how high they can jump; it’s amazing how so much is supported by so little.  A horse’s hooves play a key role in its ability to survive and function.  Without solid, sound feet, you have no horse, so understanding hoof anatomy is extremely important. 

Each industry and profession tends to have its own jargon, and horse farriers are no different.  As a horse owner, you should be able to understand what your farrier is telling you about your horse; otherwise, you may miss out on important information.  It’s also worthy to note that you should ask your farrier questions if you don’t understand.  Farriers want their clients to feel good about what they’re doing and how they’re addressing any concerns you may have.  Whether you’re a seasoned horseman or new to horse ownership, a refresher on farrier work and terminology is always helpful. 

If you want to stir up an interesting conversation among horsemen, bring up the barefoot versus shod question. Be forewarned—the discussion may get heated!

Your horse finishes work and you want to provide some additional relief to his legs. What do you use? Two weapons in every horseman’s arsenal should be liniments and poultices.

While horses must live with the hooves that they’re born with, there are certain things horse owners can do to help keep their horse’s hooves healthy, and prolong his life and riding career.