Winter Hoof Care

Yes, that time of the year has already shown itself and is approaching upon us. Whatever your current temperature is, you still need to look ahead to "Winter Hoof Care".

The November 2008 edition of Horse Illustrated has an article by Nancy S. Loving, DVM, on how to "Winterize Your Horse". Part of this article is in regards to winter hoof care.

The article indicates that it is beneficial to let your horse go barefoot for at least a couple of months during the year, and winter is the time to do this. Also, barefoot reduces hazards like balling of the snow, since the hoof is better able to shed ice and snow.

Horses that have been barefoot or only barefoot for the winter will still need a regular trim. A visit from your hoof care practitioner every six to eight weeks will keep the hooves ready for spring riding.

She even recommends hoof boots for winter riding. "If you still plan on riding during the winter, consider a hoof boot rather than leaving the shoes on".   The Easyboot Grip is specifically designed for use in the snow. Winter… snowballs and ice are great for sport… except when they’re under your horse’s feet! Even the Boa Horse Boot’s polyurethane surface eliminates snow balling up on the bottom of the boot as it would on the sole of a horse wearing standard shoes. In fact, any of EasyCare's hoof boots would eliminate snow balling.

EasyCare Inc has optional titanium-coated boot studs for gripping sheet ice. Long wearing studs (4 per boot) can be easily attached to any Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac's, Old Mac's G2, Easyboot Bare and up to a size four in our Easyboot and Easyboot Epics to provide traction on asphalt, ice or other hard or slippery surfaces. The studs may be removed when their application is no longer necessary, and replaced as needed. Larger studs are now available for the Easyboot and Easyboot Epic from size five and up.

Dr. Loving also says studs can be used in shoes just like on the boots. While traction is extremely important, very aggressive traction can inhibit a horse’s natural way of going and can increase stress on joints, tendons and upper extremities. The ground may not always be slippery, so your horse's foot may "stick" with a traction device, resulting in injury. This kind of injury happens suddenly and you may not even realize it until lameness becomes apparent.

This is just one of the things you need to get done to "winterize your horse" per Nancy Loving, DVM. Hooves are part of the winter care for your horse, but you need to read the rest of the article for the rest of the story. Also, while you are out riding the trails, don’t be surprised if you see a new kind of hoofprint in the snow. Look at it carefully; you may be the first in the group to identify the elusive EasyCare's Easyboot Grip print.