Transitioning tips

Barefoot hoofcare is becoming increasingly popular, as we all know. As a retailer we are passionate about sharing our expertise on hoof boots with customers, but we do get asked frequently about the transitioning phase, e.g. when the horse is first de-shod. Therefore, this article covers some of the frequently asked questions regarding using hoof boots at this stage:

• If your horse was sound in shoes, then he should be sound barefoot on grass and arenas.  He is likely to be sensitive on rocky terrain until his soles thicken and develop a tough callus.
• Hoof boots will allow you to continue riding on all surfaces during transition. 
• Some horses will always need boots on rocky terrain, especially if your circumstances don't allow for optimum diet and environment.
• If your horse was lame in shoes than he may need some time off when the shoes are removed. Hoof boots with pads will get you back in the saddle as soon as possible.  
• Be patient and considerate. It may take time for the hooves to become healthy again.  People are sometimes unrealistic when their horse first comes out of shoes, expecting the horse to cope immediately on long rides, and then when the horse struggles the shoes go back on.
• A lot of thought must be given to diet, the environment the horse lives in and the amount of movement the horse gets.
• Maintain hygiene to a high standard: the horse’s bedding must be clean and dry and the horse’s feet kept clean by picking them out every day.
• The horse must be ridden with consideration using hoof boots when necessary.
• Be prepared to tolerate the opinions of other horse owners who may feel that transitioning your horse out of shoes is unnecessary.

If the horse is still sensitive with boots

If your horse is still reluctant to walk with boots on, and you have not already, you should consult a vet to rule out the possibility of laminitis or any other hoof-related problem. All boots should ideally be used with comfort pads; 12mm medium or soft foam pads or 1” thick ‘sole mate’ type pads work best for very sore horses.

We love sharing our expertise - to see a range of horsey articles, videos and reviews concerning lots of other equestrian and countryside matters, visit http://www.horseandcountryside.com

The Easyboot Cloud; the Ultimate Therapy Boot!

The Easyboot Cloud Therapy Hoof Boot is the ultimate hoof boot for laminitics and horses with other chronic hoof problems. The Easyboot Cloud comes complete with a specialist, removable EVA hoof pad inside that conforms to the hoof, and offers additional comfort and support to the sole. 

The supportive tread reduces loading of the peripheral hoof wall, spreading weight across the entire solar area. The Cloud hoof boot offers a secure fit on the hoof, and is designed for use in the stable or yard, as well as other restricted turnout areas (not designed for very muddy/ deep going or full turnout, however). The Easyboot Cloud therapy hoof boot is also very useful for horses recovering from surgery or hoof problems and when stabling on hard surfaces, for example at shows.

Seams and edges of the industrial strength Cordura upper of the Easyboot Cloud are rounded for safety. A padded collar on this hoof boot provides additional relief to the pastern area. Three air vents provide air circulation to keep the hoof cool while preventing the accumulation of dirt and debris. The Easyboot Cloud Therapy Hoof Boot comes in sizes 00-8 - sold singly. RRP: £81.49.

For articles and info on equestrian matters please visit www.pegasus-magazine.co.uk . This is the website of the UK’s Pegasus Magazine - the major source of information for the large majority of equestrian enthusiasts across the South East of England and the Home Counties. Visit http://pegasus-magazine.co.uk/magazine to find out how to access the printed version, of which 25,000 copies per month are read. The site also features articles.

Shop at www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk 

Spring Fever!

Lucy Nicholas of online retailer The Saddlery Shop offers this advice on restricting grazing with a muzzle this spring, for horses prone to weight gain or laminitis:

They are something of a necessary evil for some owners, but a grazing muzzle can be a useful tool. By using a muzzle, your horse can still be moving around the field and socialising, but will be getting limited spring grass that has high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC).

I am a fan of the Greenguard grazing muzzle; it has been designed with vets for effective grazing control, yet still allows unrestricted breathing and drinking, and for the horse to get sufficient exercise in a larger field that grass intake would normally allow. It also helps prevent the sweating or rubbing that’s sometimes associated with ‘bucket’ style grazing muzzles.

Introduce the muzzle gradually by starting off using it in the stable - reward your horse with a treat through the hole in the muzzle when you put it on and take it off.  Once outside, feed grass through the hole to help him understand the principle. Leave the muzzle on for short periods, gradually building up the time it is on.

Grazing considerations

1. According to natural hoofcare barefoot trimmer Steven Leigh of natureswaynhc.co.uk, overweight horses are at a much greater risk of laminitis. Steven helped produce the ‘Laminitis app,’ a grazing risk monitoring service that alerts horse owners when their horse is at a higher risk of laminitis due to a potential increase in grass sugars. Look for the app ‘Laminitis’ on your smart phone or visit laminitis-risk.com - the app will help you to assess when you need to use the muzzle to help prevent excess intake of NSC.
2. Please don’t be tempted to shut a horse away, e.g stable him excessively, to avoid the spring grass - in my opinion the social aspect of turn out with other equines is key. Plus of course, the movement is essential to general wellbeing and mobility - many people use sand schools or bare paddocks for this purpose.
3. Don’t forget that if you have a laminitis prone horse, soaking or steaming the hay can reduce the nutritional content and make it safer. Current research indicates that overconsumption of hays and pasture grasses that contain high levels of fructans and fructose can lead to bouts of laminitis. We know that grass sugars decline significantly when hay is soaked; however, soaking causes considerable mineral losses and reduces the amount of dry matter. A brand new study recently looked at ‘wetting’ methods that included steaming, soaking, steaming then soaking, and soaking then steaming. The study found that soaking followed by steaming was the most effective method for reducing both water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and microbial content in hay intended for horses. (Ref: The Effect of Five Different Wetting Treatments on the Nutrient Content and Microbial Concentration in Hay for Horses, Scott Moore-Colyer et al, 26/11/14, Plos One.)

NSCs and WSCs

Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) include the simple sugars and starches that can be broken down by enzymes and absorbed from the small intestine into the blood stream as glucose. Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) are primarily the sugars such as fructans found in forages.

In addition to a comprehensive range of spring items including a wide range of grazing muzzles, The Saddlery Shop offers a selection of great spring and summer rugs, including fly rugs, all below RRP. The site offers free delivery for orders over £75. Visit www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk.