Page 24 - Canada Spring 2022

EQUINE HEALTH
HOOF CARE FOR FOALS
by Heather Smith Thomas
There are several reasons to start handling a foal’s feet in the first days and weeks
of life. This is a basic part of his early training, so he will be easy to trim and shoe when he grows up. Also, if there are abnormalities or slight deviations from desired leg conformation, corrections can be done early and gradually so the legs can straighten as the foal grows.
A leg that is slightly out of line may get worse as a foal grows
without proper foot trimming
to help balance it. A leg that is crooked, or a foot that toes in or out will result in uneven wear on the hoof. As the hoof wears unevenly, the problem may be compounded and it becomes a vicious cycle -
the more the foot wears unevenly, the more crooked the foot or leg becomes, the more uneven it wears.
In a young animal that is still growing, you can make minor corrections that will straighten a
leg, but if you overdo it, you can adversely affect the joints on up the leg. Corrections are best done in very small increments, and often. This
is more effective and less stressful
to feet and legs than going too long between trimmings and having to take off more hoof at once.
Also, keep in mind that many young foals toe out at first due to lack of muscle development. These generally straighten up on their own later as they grow and fill out. If
In a young animal that is still growing, you can make minor corrections that will straighten a leg, but if you overdo it, you can adversely affect the joints on up the leg.
It is important to handle a foal’s feet during the first days and weeks of life to check for any abnormalities as well as for training.
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SPEEDHORSE CANADA Spring 2022
COURTESY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS EMILY PAULK, SPEEDHORSE