Information for Horse Owners

Why Does My Horse Lose His Shoes? by Matt Tiamuty, CJF http://www.fairhillforge.com/lose_shoes.html	How To Pull A Shoe by Matt Tiamuty, CJF http://www.fairhillforge.com/pullashoe.html
Tips on Deciding Whether to Trim or to Shoe >>> read Doug Butler's Principles of Hoof Trimming
Answers to Foot Care Questions Frequently Asked by Horse Owners ©2009 by Doug Butler, PhD, CJF, FWCF

Tips on Hoof Maintenance
1.	Pick out hooves often.
2.	Condition and treat hooves depending on the quality of the feet and environment. (Check with farrier or vet for recommendations.)
3.	If your horse has a loose shoe - or lost a shoe- wrap the Foot and call your farrier!
4.	Keep anti-fungal and anti-bacterial products on hand and use them, when needed.
5.	Oil or condition your horse's hooves BEFORE washing.
6.	Fly control to minimize stomping. Clean the environment and/or use fly control products.
7.	Use bell boots to help prevent shoe loss (especially in wet & muddy conditions).
8.	Some supplements may help some feet.
9.	Regular Scheduling is Important ( 4 - 7 week schedule avg.) Keeping your horse on a good schedule for trimming and shoeing (average 4-7 weeks) is extremely important. The goal of scheduling regular farrier visits is to maintain consistent balance rather than significantly changing the hoof at each appointment. This will keep the quality of the hooves healthier, along with numerous other benefits.
10.	Consult with your farrier if you have any questions or concerns.


	Farrier History: The Internet and Farriers In its article on Farrier History, Mint Vale Forge makes the important point that the consumer has to be wary of claims on the internet. Some of the "wonder treatments" are potentially dangerous and harmful to your horse. >>> more

	Principles of Hoof Trimming by Doug Butler "If we use our common sense (horse sense) we will see when horses need to be shod and when they only need to be trimmed. " >>> more (from the author of Principles of Horseshoeing)

	Horse Fact Sheets and Bulletins by the Rutgers Cooperative Research Extension. Great selection of useful information, over 25 topics from "Tips on buying your first horse" to "Are you stressing out your horse?" or "Odd things that horses eat"

	Horse Training and Education by Equiworld.net

	Hoof Care by AcreageEquines.com There’s an old saying among horse people: "No foot, no horse." A horse’s entire weight, often more than 1000 lbs, is supported by four, relatively small feet. Without healthy feet, a horse is in trouble.

	Lameness in Horses by AcreageEquines.com

	Founder and Laminitis by AcreageEquines.com


	Last updated December 12, 2012

Tips on Hoof Maintenance