Note from the webmistress:
I know Ron provided us with this article but I apologize for not being able to credit its author. I promise I will ask Ron for this information. It is such a timely article, I wanted to go ahead and share it. Happy Hoofing!
Summertime weather spells potential problems for horses in Georgia and the surrounding south. Years ago I realized the overall condition of horse feet improved in winter and deteriorated in summer. Let's look at why it happens.
Many barn managers turn out at night during hot weather for obvious reasons: no flies, the sun doesn't bleach hair coats, and frolicking all night keeps them quieter during the day. This summer "program" seems very good, yet there is a down side to this regimen of care. During summer evenings, grass is very wet with dew. When horses are out all night their hooves stay wet most of the night. While during the day, the horses are stalled in shavings, worked in sand rings, and generally kept in dry conditions. The exposure to moisture during the night causes the hooves to swell slightly, while during the day moisture evaporates, and they dry out and shrink. The shoes stay the same size throughout. Think about that fact!
To compound the problem, horses have to contend with flies during the day. They in turn stomp their feet. Foot stomping isnt' so bad if they are shod with stout steel shoes with clips. With the horses wearing training plates (light steel), Queens plates, or aluminum wide webs, a condition may emerge which I call "Summer Syndrome". Depending upon the severity of your horse's problems, some trade-off's may be necessary:
1. Eliminate night turn-out, substitute several shorter day periods.
2. Shoe with pads (although pads hold moisture against the sole of the foot, they also keep the moisture constant!).
3. Shoe with steel instead of aluminum. (If your horse moves better in aluminum, then have your farrier spring temper, harden, light steel shoes for summer.)
4. Switch to titanium wide webs during the summer. (Titanium is very hard, yet very light and an excellent replacement for aluminum. Considerably more expensive, yet titanium can be set several more times.)
5. Use fly repellent daily to reduce foot stomping to a minimum.
We have defined the problem, cause and effects, and discussed some mechanical and managerial options as solutions. Now let's look at some topical applications that can help.
I have been shoeing for 30 years and I have tried all the gimmicks and keep coming back to good logic to solve problems. The periople at the coronary band of a horse's hoof secretes a wax-like substance much like what a duck uses on his feathers when preening. On a horse's hoof it is unmistakable. It is the natural, healthy shine we see on barefooted pasture horses. The wax is a way of preserving a moisture balance within the hoof. Naturally! On the other hand, we alter our horse's environment, rasp on their hoof walls, and expose their feet to abrasives, (sand, granite dust, etc.). Obviously, none of these are natural. To compensate, we use hoof dressing, and some are good -- some are useless! Years ago, I discovered paste floor wax worked as a moisture barrier. But I had my doubts about the compatability of the chemicals with horses' hooves. The best hoof dressing I have found have a high wax content. The four brands that are best formulated to provide hoof seal are:
1. Corona Ointment and Corona Liquified Hoof Dressing by Summit Industries.
2. Hoof Maker by Straight Arrow.
3. Hoof Saver by Farnam
4. Vita-Hoof by Race Horse Veterinary Products.
These products all provide excellent protection against excess moisture in the hooves.
I recommended avoiding petroleum based products in the summer months. These are more soluable in water and attract dirt. Hoof dressings should be applied, then wiped dry (or to a wax-like shine) on the exterior hoof wall. Dressings should be applied more liberally on the sole and the frog of the hoof where most of the moisture is absorbed. Hoof dressings are most effective when used just prior to the night turn-out, hosing, bathing, or anytime your horse's hooves will be exposed to excessive moisture.
We have talked about "Summer Syndrome" and its causes. The two questions I am most commonly asked are: "Does my horse have thrush?" and "Are my horse's feet too dry?" My answer is "YOUR HORSE'S FEET ARE TOO WET!" We'll leave the question of thrush for another article.
Obviously, hooves do get too dry in drought conditions or on high ground clay turn-out where there is little grass. This situation is more uncommon than over-moist hooves. It is important that hoof dressings do not soften hooves, at best they maintain moisture already present in the hoof.
When hooves are too dry, we need to provide a source of moisture. The most effective way to do this is to poultice the feet. Poultice powder mixed with water to the consistency of thick oatmeal is best. The poultice can be pre-mixed in a plastic pail and sealed with saran wrap for later use. A hand full applied to each sole of each hoof, then covered with with some type of wrap or poultice boot to keep the moisture securely against the hoof, will provide treatment for the dry hooves. Another way to poultice the feet is to put the mixture into a breadbag or a ziplock bag and slide the hoof into the bag and tape securely around the pastern. A handful of poultice on each foot covered with a square of brown paper will also work (Poultice will stick to the hoof, paper will stick to the poultice but not the bedding). Enough poultice will remain on the hoof to provide necessary moisture. It is best to use poultice when the horse will be confined in a stall for several hours. Hooves will absorb moisture and soften after several days of treatment. Once moisture is regained, then use the wax-based hoof dressing daily to maintain moisture in the hoof.
In conclusion, many factors influence the hoof health factor: nutrition, conformation, hoof substance, farrier care, and stable management. Given all of the above at acceptable levels, moisture content is still critical. Remember, water softens dry hooves and wax maintains the moisture balance.
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