Mechanical Equine Hoof Diseases
By Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate
Is your horse exhibiting lameness? Can't figure out what it is? Check the hooves!
Many people do not realize the harm caused by imbalanced hooves, hooves not trimmed properly, or hooves that are not trimmed regularly.
This is a partial list of some of the effects of neglect or poor maintenance of horses' hooves:
Long toes can cause:
- Navicular Symptoms
- Bowed tendons
- Pulled suspensories
- Under-run heels
- Quarter cracks
- Forging
- Overreaching
- Stumbling
- White Line Separation/Disease
High heels can cause:
- Ring bone
- Navicular symptoms
- Short stridedness
- Side bones
- Forging
- Quarter cracks
- Overreaching
- Stumbling
- Contracted Heels
- Thrush
- Yeast
Overgrown bars cause:
- Pain
- False Sole
- Thrush
Imbalanced hooves can cause:
- Quarter cracks
- Broken Bones
- Faulty Gaits
- Splints
- Stumbling
- Choppy strides
Any one of the above can and do cause PAIN and DISCOMFORT to the horse and can even founder the horse. Please consider these when confronted with lameness issues of your horse and have a competent, natural barefoot trimmer take a look at your horse. It may well save his life! Please be aware.
Most importantly, however, remember ... NO HOOF, NO HORSE.
About the Author:
My name is Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate. I am a steward of horses and lover of all animals. I am also a writer and a graphic designer.
For over 38 years I've ridden and worked with horses. From training wild mustangs during my teenaged summer vacations to presently teaching good horsemanship, care and management to equine lovers of all ages, my life has been blessed. I remember as a young, young child grabbing ahold of any suitable fallen branch of a tree, galloping wildly and freely over the hills and dales of my own backyard. As I grew older I'd catch a 'live' ride when ever and where ever I could. My very own first horse didn't come to me until I was 38 years old. At that time our older daughter belonged to a 4-H Equestrian club sharing the love I feel for these wonderous animals. We'd ride day after day, exploring New England forests or simply practicing our bareback riding in the ring at the stable. We not only bonded with our horses but with each other during this time. The days were filled with joy.
Gwenyth may be contacted by email at caballus@charter.net.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
