Healthy Horse Hooves

As a rule, a healthy horse that has access to plenty of quality grass should demonstrate healthy hoof growth. If the health of the animal or its diet is not optimal then its possible that a strong hoof will not be possible. In truth, other variables such as breed, individual genetics and environmental factors all play a part. Horse hooves are much like human fingernails: they grow from the cuticle and harden into hooves. If there is a disruption in the cuticle so that tissue can not grow, the nail/hoof will not be produced. If the crack in a hoof is a temporary problem, it should grow out with adequate shoeing. However, if it appears to be permanent / repetitive you need to address the underlying cause. It is possible that a horse with a permanently split hoof has a damaged cuticle - in which case no hoof will ever grow in that area, but it is more likely to be a temporary effect.

What to look for in your first horse

Always consider the temperament of a horse or pony. The animal's suitability to the tasks asked of it is also important. You should consider what you want the horse to actually do. You should look for large ears and a 'nice look' to the eyes - signs of pleasant temperament. Check how the horse reacts to you: The horse should be happy for you to walk around it and touch his flanks. Never buy a horse or pony before riding it yourself or having a more experienced rider ride it, you need to make sure that the horse is obedient and ‘easy’ to ride. Avoid horses that swing their heads around and bare their teeth when you mount, or horses that swish their tails around when they are ridden. The most important thing is to buy a horse that enjoys being ridden; otherwise both you and your horse may be either physically or emotionally scarred by the experience.

Horse-trailer stress

Do not expect overnight success by any method. Firstly, position your trailer in your horse's field for at least some of the time. This will allow your horse to become comfortable in its presence. At this stage do not force your horse to go to the trailer, and instead wait until he can go past it or next to it without noticing it. The next step is to try and feed your horse next to the trailer and then on the ramp and eventually inside it. At all times your horse must be allowed to leave the trailer area whenever he wishes. The important lesson here is to allow your horse into the trailer for something enjoyable and let him leave whenever he chooses - this will instil confidence.

Once your horse is prepared to spend time in the trailer in a relaxed fashion, attempt to shut the trailer behind him. If he becomes stressed then open it again. Continue trying this until he can spend time in the trailer when it is shut (but not moving). Once your horse is comfortable with this step, you can begin to slowly move the trailer while your horse is in it.

Thirsty?

There are a couple of methods to check whether your horse is dehydrated. So use these methods regularly so as to build up knowledge of your horse’s condition, and to make sure your horse gets enough fluids. The first method is to test the "capillary refill time" by parting the horse's lips to expose the gums. If you press gently and briefly on the upper jaw with your thumb you will see the blood is forced from the gum. Count how long it takes for the gum to return to its normal colour. If it is longer than 2 seconds your horse may be either dehydrated or might have a circulatory problem. Secondly, pinch the skin on your horse's neck just in front of the shoulders. If the skin does not return back to its normal position quickly, this may indicate dehydration. This is an easy test for you to do frequently to build up a picture of your horse’s relative hydration from day to day.