Page 14 - July 2021 Parker Co. 4-H Connection

4 - H H O R S E P R O J E C T

Caring for Your Horse's Hooves

University of Minnesota Extension
Mary Boyce, DVM, University of Minnesota

Quick facts

Establish a good working relationship with your farrier and veterinarian to ensure your horse stays healthy and sound. Many foot
problems can occur in horses. To reduce hoof problems:
Schedule regular trimming or shoeing.
Maintain good hoof balance.
Provide appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions.
Provide appropriate treatment when disease occurs.
Maintain proper horse nutrition.

How Often Should your Horse's Feet be Trimmed or Shod?

Summer
Trim or shoe hooves at least every 6 to 8 weeks in the summer. Show horses may need more frequent trimming.

Winter
Because the horse’s hooves grow slower in the winter, you should trim or shoe hooves every 6 to 12 weeks. This time interval may be different
between horses based on their hoof growth.
Keeping the Hooves Balanced

Horses with balance hooves move better, and have less stress and strain on bones, tendons and ligaments. The ideal foot has:
A straight hoof-pastern angle
A straight line from the pastern down through the front of the hoof wall.
This correctly lines up the bones between the pastern and coffin bone.
Easy break over
The toe is not too long and is squared, rounded or rolled.
This allows easier movement with each step.
Too much break over can result in health problems.
Adequate heel support
The shoe extends back to the end of the hoof wall and supports the back of the entire leg.
The back edge of the shoe is under a line drawn down the center of the cannon bone.
Medial-lateral balance
The foot lands evenly from side to side as the horse walks.
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