1. How often does my horse need to be shod? The recommended time between shoeing is six to eight weeks. This allows hoof growth to be removed soon enough so that your horse remains comfortable. Too much growth can cause a hoof to crack, more thrush, change hoof angle causing strain on tendons and ligaments. 2. Why hot shoeing? Heating the horseshoe makes it easier to level and make adjustments to get a superior fit. 3. Are there different shoes for different horses? YES. I choose shoes that will best protect the hoof and support the legs. I examine conformation and movement patterns of your horse to select the shoes that is right for your horse. 4. What kind of ground conditions are harmful to my horse. Mud is not good for hooves. Hoof horn is 25% moisture and if your horse is standing in mud much of the time the hoof moisture increases beyond the 25%. This can cause hoof structure to weaken and you can bet bacteria likes dark moist dark areas like the sole of the hoof around the sole. Moving your horse to dry ground sometimes causes the hoof to dry to quickly and weaken the hoof horn which can cause hoof cracks. The best condition for your horse's hooves is clean dry footing. 5. What is a well shod horse? A well shod horse has shoes of correct weight and size shaped to fit the hoof. The hooves are level for correct limb alignment. There should be no loss of the weight bearing surface. Hoof care is important. NO HOOF NO HORSE 6. Are there other things I should know about hoof care? Yes. Ask me about protein in your horses diet, hoof dressing and regular turn out. I can discuss these things with you at your next appointment. I am happy to answer your questions. Click on my email address and send me a question. bryanback@hughes.net 
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