Horse hoof care during wintertime
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EmailWinter hoof care is just as important as care during the rest of the year.
As we welcome the colder weather, it is important to remember that our horses’ health and care still come first. The cold can present challenges, so Michigan State University Extension reminds horse owners to stay diligent with care over the winter.
Hoof care must be kept on schedule throughout the winter, as it is just as important as maintaining nutritional and exercise needs. Many horse owners prefer to remove their horse’s shoes throughout this period of minimal riding. Most horses that are maintained outdoors should have their shoes removed because shod feet can become ice-packed, which can increase the risk of slipping on snow and ice. Most horses will have better traction on icy ground when shoes are removed. If you choose to leave your horse’s shoes on, be sure to work with your farrier to maintain the proper shoe and hoof care all winter long.
Hooves should be routinely trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent cracks and breakage. 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. Care should be taken not to trim them too closely to prevent bruised, sore feet from contacting the frozen ground. Laminitis can occur from trauma to the sole due to walking on rough, frozen ground. Another common issues is thrush, which is an anerobic bacterial infection that slowly takes over hoof tissues. Colorado State University outlines other winter-related hoof issues owners may see and provides great tips for winter hoof care for horses.
Check out Extension Horses for a variety of resources, including an article on winter care for horses. There are many great resources online that can help youth and adult horse owners alike to provide the best care for their four-legged friends all winter long.
