HOOF TRIMMING AND CARE: HORSE HEALTH AND PREVENTION

The horse’s hoof is often described as its “secondary heart”: it plays a crucial role in blood circulation and locomotion. Regular care, combined with proper hoof trimming, is essential to maintain the animal’s health and performance.

Why are hooves so important?

• Locomotion: without healthy feet, a horse cannot move properly or work efficiently.
• Shock absorption: the hoof acts as a natural shock absorber, protecting tendons, joints, and bones.
• Overall health: hoof problems often lead to compensations that affect the back, shoulders, or hips.

👉 Hence the well-known saying: “No foot, no horse.”

The role of trimming

Hoof trimming consists of maintaining the shape and length of the hoof to ensure:

• correct balance and alignment,
• even weight distribution,
• prevention of deformations or pathologies.

Two types of trimming exist:

• Physiological or natural trimming: the hoof is maintained to imitate natural wear.
• Classical trimming (before shoeing): prepares the hoof to receive a horseshoe, depending on the horse’s use and workload.

Trimming frequency

On average, a horse should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. However:

• Foals and young horses may need more frequent checks.
• Horses living outdoors on abrasive ground naturally wear their hooves down (sometimes allowing for longer intervals).
• Shod horses follow the shoe renewal schedule.

👉 Regularity is crucial to prevent hoof deformation and locomotor problems.

Daily hoof care

1. Picking out the feet

To be done daily, before and after work. It helps to:

• remove dirt, stones, and debris,
• check for nails or injuries,
• monitor the frog and sole condition.

2. Monitoring the horn quality

The hoof wall must remain supple and strong. Too dry, it cracks; too soft, it encourages infections.

3. Hygiene and environment

• Wet ground promotes thrush and frog rot.
• Overly dry ground makes the hoof brittle.

👉 Balance is key: keep the environment clean, dry but not arid.

4. Additional care

• Greases and ointments: used according to the season (moisturizing in summer, drying in winter).
• Hoof baths: sometimes recommeded to strengthen or disinfect the horn.

Common hoof pathologies

• Laminitis: severe inflammation of the hoof capsule, often linked to diet or obesity.
• Cracks: vertical fissures in the hoof wall.
• Thrush (frog rot): bacterial infection caused by humidity and poor hygiene.
• Abscesses: pus accumulation under the sole or wall, very painful.
• Lameness due to poor balance: often caused by irregular or improper trimming.

👉 Daily vigilance and regular farrier visits are the best prevention.

Farrier or equine podiatrist?

• The farrier: specializes in shoeing and performs classical trimming.
• The equine podiatrist: focuses on physiological trimming, often for barefoot horses.

The choice depends on the horse’s needs, activity, and environment.

The role of the rider and owner

Good hoof care requires collaboration between:

• the rider/owner, who ensures daily maintenance and detects abnormalities,
• the farrier/podiatrist, who performs regular trimming,
• the veterinarian, consulted in case of pathology or persistent lameness.

Conclusion

Hoof trimming and care are the foundation of a horse’s health. Regular monitoring helps to:

• preserve locomotion,
• prevent many pathologies,
• extend its sporting or working career.

👉 By respecting the saying “No foot, no horse,” the rider ensures comfort, well-being, and longevity for the horse.