HOOF CARE:

Horses require a farrier year round not just in the summer when you are riding – the hoof grows year round.

Do not trim your horse’s feet with a cattle hoof trimmer – their feet are different and grow differently than cattle. Make sure the hoof is evenly balanced on all four feet. Have a professional farrier trim your horse’s feet. – No hoof, No horse. Take one of the weekend farrier courses, often advertised in the Horse Country. These weekends course are a great idea, it will give you an idea on how complex the hoof is, and how much you will appreciate your farrier...

Correct conformational problem early, if possible. Once the growth plates are closed no amount of corrective trimming will change the bones.

Shoes are not necessities on all horses, a majority of horses do not require shoes. Hoof boots are a great option.

Use Pam non-stick spray to get rid of ice build up on the hoof – pick the hoof and spray the sole.

Use a hoof conditioner that contains fish oil, it penetrates the hoof wall and help with cracking and splitting.

Green kitchen Pot scrubber (square) are a great way to get mud off the surface of the hoof plus they work like a soft sand paper to take out the ridges.