To keep our horses healthy, sound and useful for their whole
long life requires knowledge and consideration of their innate needs.
Some of these that relate to the hoofs are;
Bare, well trimmed feet - essential to health and strength,
from the hooves up. Enables proper hoof function, blood circulation and shock absorbtion.
24/7 turnout in as large a paddock as possible - to allow
horses to move freely at all times
near constant exercise - as horses are designed to, which
enables proper hoof function and therefore growth, strength and
healing capacity of feet. The more the better. 20-30km per day
being what the horse is designed to do.
live-in company - to motivate exercise - besides the mental
benefits of keeping a herd animal in a herd.
firm dry ground to facilitate proper hoof function and help
condition feet.
access to water to soak feet - to give the hoof elasticity
and help prevent chipping and cracks.
good nutrition - essential for the whole horse, feet &
all. A natural diet of mixed grasses or hay, supplimented with
herbs and appropriate nutrients is best.
The horse needs to have near constant access to grass or
hay, to feed throughout the day, so hand feeding must be little
and often.
In the case of horses in hard work requiring more energy,
hard feed needs to be easily digestible. Feeds high in starch, such as cereal grains are not easily digested and can cause problems. Copra meal and soy meal
are two good examples of healthy digestible energy. Hard feeds
should be fed at least twice a day to be utilised
effectively.
