Articles

16-Dec-2007 (Hoof Balance in Shoeing)

Balance (medial to lateral)
The hoof needs to be balanced to ensure that the foot strikes the surface equally, if this does not happen then the foot will twist towards the longer side while on the ground and will wing towards the other direction in flight, this is the action of

15-Dec-2007 (Trimming The Foal)

Foal Trims

When foals are born they have a soft hoof and are more pointed. This is what we call the foal foot. At about 3 months of age this hoof has grown out and is replaced with the normal adult hoof. As I said these hooves are usually more pointed and the heels are slightly

15-Dec-2007 (Introduction To Shoeing)

Introduction

This paper has been written as a guide to achieve correct hoof balance and therefore correct limb and skeletal alignment.Over the years I have come too aware of the need for correct balancing of the hoof, so the horse can place its

15-Dec-2007 (Shoeing and Shoe Wear)

Shoeing

Let's start with shoes and why we need shoes at all. Horses living in their natural environment were not designed too have metal shoes nailed to their feet, as their hooves provide ample protection for the sensitive structures of the foot.

The unshod hoove

15-Dec-2007 (Checking The Hoof Balance)

When you pick up the front foot to check the balance (medial-lateral) you should hold the foot at the fetlock joint and let the foot adopt a natural position. Position yourself as close to the shoulder as possible (pulling the limb out from the body will twist the limb and you will get an incorre

15-Dec-2007 (Dressing (trimming) the foot)

When dressing the foot it is very important too first decide the levels to which you are going to lower the hoof wall. A good practice for inexperienced people is to take a marker and mark the heel and toe at the level you believe is correct as this will prevent over trimming (keeping in mind the

15-Dec-2007 (Synthetic (plastic) Horse Shoes)

Man first started using the horse to carry loads and himself well before the birth of Christ. It was back then that they realised that a rim of metal had to be fitted to the horse's feet to prevent them from wearing away. This was the start of the art of farriery and the rim of metal is now known