Hoof care: when to call the farrier and which signs to watch

The old saying goes: no hoof, no horse. Healthy hooves are the foundation of equine health, and most problems can be caught early if you check them regularly.

Clean the hooves every day, especially before and after riding. Remove mud and stones with a hoof pick, check the frog and sole, and smell — an unpleasant odour can mean thrush.

Call the farrier every six to eight weeks, whether the horse is shod or barefoot. A hoof grows about a centimetre a month, and an overgrown hoof changes the angle of the leg and strains the tendons.

Warning signs: lameness, a warm hoof, a strong pulse above the hoof, cracks, a loose shoe or a horse constantly shifting weight between legs. Then call the farrier or vet right away.

Feeding, movement and footing also affect hoof health. A dry, clean paddock, plenty of movement and a balanced diet help more than any hoof oil. At Black Horse Ranch Davor takes care of the stable and horses, with regular farrier visits.