The winter months are not kind to equine hooves. Those that spend time outside often are in mud or frozen ground, while those indoors often are standing in bedding that’s soaked with urine.
Horse and rider enjoying winter weather
Winter months are not kind to equine hooves.
© 2006 by Louis
Proper horse care and management during the winter is essential. As it becomes colder, the horses requirements for energy, shelter and hoof care begin to change. This article explains the different requirements horses have during the winter and practices horse owners can do to meet those requirements.
As the weather turns cold, many horses are ridden less and less. It is easy to become relaxed in a horse’s daily care since they are not being used as often. However, horses still require much care and attention throughout the winter.
Hoof care must be kept on schedule throughout the winter. Many horse owners prefer to pull shoes throughout this period of minimal riding. Any horse to be maintained outdoors should have its shoes removed. Shod feet can become ice packed, increasing the chance for slipping on snow and ice.
Hooves should be routinely trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent cracks and breakage. However, care should be taken not to trim them too closely to prevent bruised, sore feet from the frozen ground. Laminitis can occur from trauma to the sole due to walking on rough, frozen ground.
Occasionally, if hooves are not maintained throughout the winter and allowed to break off, it may be difficult to have the horse shod when spring comes.
- Pick out hooves everyday and examine them and the pastern area for bruises, cuts or the start of skin infections. It’s important to have any ailments treated quickly.
- Since hoof growth is often slower in cold weather, cracks and other hoof wall defects might not grow out as quickly.
- Your farrier might choose to leave your unshod horse a little longer to give your horse more clearance to help avoid sole bruises as they walk on frozen mud.
- Shod horses might need traction such as Borium, studs or other applications. Spreading sand or cat litter on paths or at the barn entrance/exit might help both horses and humans.
- Frozen ground might increase concussion on your horse’s hooves, which can lead to hoof cracks and lameness. If you don’t have access to an unfrozen riding area, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of intense work you ask of your horse.
- Although unshod hooves shed snow more efficiently, shod hooves collect hardened snow more readily, which can be dangerous while walking or make walking difficult. Ask your farrier about solutions that can help your horse.
- Frozen streams and ponds are obviously slippery for horses, as well as humans, but they also can be hazardous as they can break through and become immersed in frigid water. If possible, turn out horses in safe areas or fence off the hazard.
Note: Article was originally posted November 2018.
Press release provided by American Farriers Journal