Horsey hoofcare this winter - are you managing your horses barefoot?

By Lucy Nicholas - Co-proprietor of The Saddlery Shop, recent winner of the SEIB Internet Retailer of the Year Award (British Equestrian Trade Association, BETA).

I am very interested in barefoot hoofcare, and know that many readers will be managing their horses barefoot as winter continues.

I’d like to offer my top tips on helping your horse or pony to stay sound and healthy: 

 

Diet is key when it comes to equine hoofcare - its especially important in winter! To optimise hoof health, I suggest feeding hay (preferably meadow hay as opposed to lucerne or ryegrass) ‘ad lib’, to maintain the amount of fibre in the gut, ensuring that low-sugar forage forms the largest part of a horse’s diet, and supplementing the diet with key vitamins and minerals (see below).

By providing the correct levels of balanced nutrients, you can potentially prevent problems with sub-standard hooves. Common dietary ingredients to look out for are: Biotin - a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for hoof horn formation; heavy-grade Magnesium Oxide, a mineral ideal for promoting stronger hooves; Methionine - an amino-acid which contains sulphur, an essential element in the formation of the protein substance keratin, the cells of which make up the hoof wall; Calcium and Zinc, minerals which are essential for cell reproduction within the hoof; and MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, an organic, bioavailable (absorbable) form of sulphur. Seek a good quality supplement now with these key ingredients, to give hooves the best chance to thrive.

Cracks and splits tend to be a sign that the hoof does not have sufficient integrity, isn’t being stimulated enough, and that the diet is sub-standard. I find that a diet low in starch and sugar, with balanced minerals and vitamins, almost always eliminates such cosmetic problems.

Do not leave your horse standing in wet conditions – such as soiled bedding - for long periods, as this can weaken the horn. Choose an absorbent bedding and skip it out frequently.

Combat thrush. This bacterial condition involves bacterium destroying the frog and sometimes exposing the deeper, sensitive tissues. Try to maintain clean, dry stable conditions and ensure the horses' feet are regularly attended to by a hoofcare professional. Regularly pick out and brush the underside of the horse’s feet.

Consider hoof boots for barefoot horses - they help boost the bare hoof’s shock absorption properties, and also protect the hoof on sharp, uneven or stony surfaces. 

  

Some horses may experience ‘footiness’ in winter due to the fact they are ridden less (e.g. exercise promotes stronger feet), combined with wetter, softer horn and more abrasive road work. Some barefoot horses will always need to wear hoof boots for concussive surfaces or longer rides, while others quickly transition from being shod and can happily negotiate all terrains. Old Mac's G2 multi purpose horse boots are excellent hoof boots that boast a unique high-tech performance out sole, incorporating the unique hoof suspension system.

Visit our main site - www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk and read our new hoofcare and booting GUIDES.

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

Bit measuring - our top tips to help you choose the right size bit for your horse or pony

The Saddlery Shop’s Lucy Nicholas offers sizing tips, ahead of bit purchase..

If you want to obtain a new bit for your horse, once you’re sure your horse’s mouth is cut free and comfortable, you can then measure the horse’s mouth for the new bit. There are a few methods available that will enable you to measure your horse’s mouth in order to determine the correct size of bit. 

Firstly and most simply - use the handle of a wooden spoon as a measure, using martingale stops at either end - you can easily push them up to the corners of the horse or pony’s mouth, and then once you carefully remove it, measure the length of the handle from the outside of each martingale stop using a ruler. This will then determine the size of a fixed cheek bit design. For a loose ring design, you will need to add half an inch to this value. If this all seems too fiddly, and at risk of human error, ‘Bit Measures’ which are measuring rods, can be purchased from tack stores or online.

Most importantly, the bit can be assessed in situ on the horse. An instructor or trusted, experienced friend could also assist. Bit hire can be very useful!

A general guide to ensuring your bit is at the correct height in the mouth would be to aim for a lip wrinkle at the corners of the mouth.  Bear in mind that mouth conformation varies, and some horses are much shorter from the corner of the lip to the muzzle, so in this instance don’t be tempted to shorten the cheek pieces excessively. When fitting a bit with a fixed cheek, such as the Eggbutt, the lip should gently brush up against the butt end ensuring a snug, although not tight, fit. Whereas if using a loose ring bit, the general rule would be to have clearance either side of no more than one eighth of an inch from the corner of the lip up to the hole that the bit ring passes through.

Once you have chosen the bit you wish to buy, it is important to measure the bit itself too once you have hired or purchased it, as manufacturer’s sizings may differ.

Finally, the fit of the bit needs to be assessed at rest, and then with a contact. Obviously your horse will let you know if he’s comfortable! Bitting discomfort can be a serious issue, as if your horse is uncomfortable in its mouth, it will often lead to the equine being resistant in the contact, and unhappy and stressed in their ridden work, resulting in poor performance. Seek advice from a retailer experienced in bitting advice if required.

Lucy Nicholas is Co-proprietor of The Saddlery Shop, recent winner of the SEIB Internet Retailer of the Year Award (BETA).

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