GENERAL

Schedule regular farrier visits according to your horse's individual needs. Although six to eight weeks is the average, there's really no standard interval for trimming and shoeing. If your farrier is correcting for a problem such as under-run heels, a club foot, or flare in the hoof wall, your horse may benefit from a shorter interval. If everything looks fine but you notice that he begins forging--striking the back of a front hoof with the toe of a back hoof, in the last few days before his next shoeing, ask your farrier whether a shorter schedule might avoid the problem--possibly four to five weeks in the summer, slightly longer in the winter. Since most horses have different hoof issues and growth, a good working relationship with a farrier and veterinarian is needed to ensure a healthy, sound hoof and horse. Many different foot problems can occur in horses. To reduce hoof problems, follow these important recommendations:

·        Regular trimming or shoeing

·        Maintain good hoof balance

·        Appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions

·        Appropriate treatment if disease process occurs

·        Maintain proper horse nutrition