But thoroughbreds with shoes, usually just in front, struggle to make six weeks before their feet begin to deteriorate. Generally, most horses should get trimming every eight weeks. Donkeys’ hooves differ from horses’ hooves in more ways than just appearance, though. Your horse knows you better than anyone else. ANSWER #2: Different horses have different needs. While there is no hard and fast answer that will suit every horse, one thing is for certain; sooner rather than later is going to be best for everyone involved. I could make a lot of money shoeing. Most barefoot trimmers recommend that horses get trimmed every five to six weeks, though some horses will need shorter cycles and some can safely go longer. A horse’s hoof is a bit wider and has a slanting wall. It will depend on your horse’s activities as well as the type of riding you do. As inevitably happens, the discussion very quickly turned to horses. At least in her case, to keep on top of flares, chips, etc, 3 weeks is as far as I would push it. A good farrier will recommend every 6 weeks during the Spring, Summer and Fall, and 8 weeks during the winter (northern climates) bc they grow slower then. It is generally agreed upon that horses need their feet trimmed every five to eight weeks, although the exact amount of time can vary for each horse depending on the season, the terrain where they’re kept, and whether or not they wear horseshoes. Compared to winter where they can be done every 8-9 weeks. Shoeing would double my income per horse. It is in widespread use but it only addresses lameness. Ensuring that you’re giving those feet the care that they need more frequently can save you time, money and stress. https://extension.umn.edu/horse-health/caring-your-horses-hooves Hooves that are unmaintained will result to unpleasant looking and unbalanced hoofs which in turn affects the hoof’s internal workings, legs’ tendons and ligaments and mainly the horse’s movement. My horse is 2 and just had her feet done for the first time on Friday. Thankyou :) The answer is similar to the proverbial piece of string, and therein lies the problem for many owners. Farriers and trimmers must recognise the difference between a horse that is in pain and a horse that is being difficult (although they should ask why that horse is being difficult). How much do horse hooves grow every month? They should be trimmed every 4 weeks or less - you can learn to do touch-ups in between trimmer visits if necessary. I calmly explained why hoof maintenance is a necessity for modern horses. If the horse is sound, I usually start these horses on a normal four to six week trimming schedule.. Fabio - 13 year old Arabian/Lipizzan gelding. It will depend on your horse’s […] The place I board has the farrier out about every 6-7 months, one horse gets bad, the other one stays really good. My advice? The animals were literally proving my point about natural hoof care in front of our eyes. “His dodgy hooves have been giving me trouble for ages. “How often do you trim” I inquired casually. A properly trimmed hoof should have the same amount of hoof ahead of the widest part of the hoof as it has behind the widest part (or even 60 percent behind the widest part). Most vets and farriers suggest that an unshod horse has its hooves trimmed and checked every 6 to 10 weeks. But, for the average horse, I think 5-8 weeks is pretty average and good. With so many factors playing into the equation there is not one definitive answer. Soft surfaces such as pasture and stable bedding do not wear the hoof down at all therefore the hooves need to be trimmed about every three to four weeks (six weeks maximum). And, given the importance of the hoof, to a certain extent, that’s how it should be. My jaw dropped slightly, and I stared at her speechlessly for a few moments. That can damage the hoof, and overgrown hooves can lead to soft tissue damage like strained tendons and ligaments. ANSWER #2: Different horses have different needs. They must grow out enough to hold a shoe for a re-shoeing, and 6 weeks usually allows for this growth. Compared to winter where they can be done every 8-9 weeks If nature intended the equine hoof to support the weight of an average or cob sized horse, what happens when that same hoof structure is supporting horses of varied weight and conformation? Failure to do so can often cost more in the long run and lead to problems. The longer you trim your own horse, the more you’ll come to learn what works for her and what doesn’t. If the feet look oddly shaped or over-grown, I nudge them into a more normal shape. 25, 2010, 02:01 PM. Don’t leave shoes on for months, though. Frequent trimming (or wear) ensures that their feet develop optimally. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks as usual. If you’re using. They need to have their feet trimmed ever 6-8 weeks so what better way. If not, then what kind of terrain he or she is travelling over and how much time they are working or exercising. Just like everyone said, it really depends of the horse and the ground. So how often should your horse see the farrier for trimming? I just don’t know what to do with him” she continued. Most importantly, your horse will be happier and healthier, which is ultimately the highest priority for all of us. Then you need to factor in whether your horse is shod or not. If the feet look oddly shaped or over-grown, I nudge them into a more normal shape. His hooves are still growing and will need to be trimmed up on a routine basis. Trimming the hooves 'just because its 4 weeks out' is not a good reason to trim hooves. If this angle, or line, is broken, it indicates a poor trim due to either too much toe, a concave break in the line, or too much heel, a convex break in the line. every 6-8 weeks. We are all horse people, and as anyone with even the remotest association with the species will tell you, horse people find it something of a challenge to think, talk about or do anything non-equine related for any significant length of time. Several factors contribute to scheduling a farrier to trim and inspect your horse’s hooves. My horse is 6 weeks in the warm months and 8 weeks in the cold ones. She runs barefoot in pasture, is never in a stall, and is ridden in arenas and trails. It's a protective barrier against getting knocked and bumped, and it grows out constantly just like our nails do. He was being done every 6 weeks where I had him agisted but they looked overdue by week 5-6. but get trimmed at … Recently I've had several trim clients complaining that the horses hooves look due at 6 or 8 weeks and they think they should be able to go longer. This is also about the time that a barefoot horse will have to be trimmed. A Good Horseman Doesn't Have To Tell Anyone; The Horse Already Knows. How often should you shoe your horse? Just like everyone said, it really depends of the horse and the ground. Ensuring that you’re giving those feet the care that they need more frequently can save you time, money and stress. And some people want to go until the horses are duck footed with splits and chunks missing before they get trimmed. * I'm often reading and posting from mobile and Siri loves to make a mockery of the English language. Her toes are long but are trimming themselves as she needs and her hooves are sooooooo tough that I can't even get my nippers to cut through the walls if I wanted to! A correctly trimmed hoof with no infection in the frog should strike the ground heel-first, with the frog in ground contact and taking the impact of the horse's weight. http://gobarefoot.com.au demo of barefoot trimming of horse hooves by Rebecca Jacaranda Scott. every 6-8 weeks. Unshod horses need regular trimming. Mine get done every 6-7 weeks in the summer and 8-9 weeks in the winter because it doesn't grow as fast in the winter but in the summer they grow pretty fast. We should have just left, but the horses were in desperate need of a trim and the wife (our actual client) was clearly embarrassed by her husband’s behavior and the condition of the horses’ hooves. Virginia Therapeutic Farriery has a very good drawn I can trim a horse for $30. Then you need to factor in whether your horse is shod or not. Sadly, most horses have 60 percent in front of the widest part. LISTEN to the hooves - they may not need trimming every 4 weeks or even 6 weeks or even, as my mustang mare, in almost 6 months! It's been almost 6 months since I've trimmed her hooves. My other horses are not so accommodating and need trimming more often. Each horse's needs will be different on a case-by-case basis. One every eight weeks. Selina, via email. She sound, she's solid, and her hooves are healthy. In fact, I think that is why many farriers still shoe. They were in great condition, but a little long. The angle of the hoof should match the angle of the dorsal surface of the pastern. A shod horse will need a farrier visit every 4 to 6 weeks, even if the shoes are in good condition. Casual misconceptions about how often you should trim your horse’s hooves do more harm than most people realise. The color of the hoof is influenced by the color of the skin above it. They need to be trimmed because hoof wall is exactly the same as human fingernail. My jaw dropped slightly, and I stare, So, with that said, how often should you be trim horses hooves? All domestic horses require having complete, regular hoof care. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that a horse that is spending time wandering about a soft, grassy paddock is going to require more frequent trimming than another who is working for hours a day on more abrasive terrain. How Often To Trim Donkey Hooves. I've learned how to do my horses hooves in a natural hoof trim and do them every 5 weeks. As you can probably imagine, we talk to a lot of people about hooves and hoof health. They need to be trimmed because hoof wall is exactly the same as human fingernail. And, that’s not to mention soaked, wrapped, and placed in any number of boots. If the horse is clearly doing well, I am not going to interfere. This is also about the time that a barefoot horse will have to be trimmed. I trim our mares every 4 weeks in the summer and 6-7 weeks in the winter (they could go 1-2 weeks more). Hooves that are unmaintained will result to unpleasant looking and unbalanced hooves which in turn affects the hoof’s internal workings, legs’ tendons and ligaments and mainly the horse’s movement. Instead, they take the curative approach. In the winter, they can go 8 weeks. How often should hooves be trimmed? If a horse has white markings directly above the hoof, the hoof wall may carry down the same pigmentation. A major part of this maintenance includes trimming, resetting the shoes, and regular hoof care provided by the service of a farrier. A major part of this maintenance includes trimming, resetting the shoes, and regular hoof care provided by the service of a farrier. Generally, most horses should get trimming every eight weeks. Routinely shod horses need their hooves and shoes tended to every 4 to 6 weeks for good health. If it exceeds 2% per month, you should schedule hoof trimming sessions more frequently. What does trimming hooves do? With well-intentioned regularity, the horse’s hoof gets picked, oiled, conditioned, supplemented, trimmed, and shod. Sadly, most horses have 60 percent in front of the widest part. So how often should your horse see the farrier for trimming? It depends on the type of terrain (rocky or not rocky), type of soil (sand vs dirt) and diet. I get the farrier out regularly, but he’s constantly getting chips and quarterline cracks. We’re all familiar with the variation in rates of growth from summer to winter. 2x a year until all permanent teeth are in. But how often should your farrier visit and why is it … Continue reading "The Importance of Maintaining a Regular Farrier Schedule" Your farrier should help determine it. A young, healthy horses hooves will grow much faster than an older or an unhealthy horse. How much do horse hooves grow every month? “This is not the first time,” she lamented. And they have good legs. 1/4 inch. Once we started trimming more regularly they started needing it more often. Put that one in the “Win” column! But is there a difference in structure or molecular density of hoof parts in hooves of varied dimensions? All of my horses get their hooves done every 7 weeks- I have 83 head but only 10 of them are shod. The answer is similar to the proverbial piece of string, and therein lies the problem for many owners. There are factors that cause hooves to differ from horse to horse: genetics, use and environment… Soft surfaces such as pasture and stable bedding do not wear the hoof down at all therefore the hooves need to be trimmed about every three to four weeks (six weeks maximum). Casual misconceptions about how often you should trim your horse’s hooves do more harm than most people realise. I considered explaining that if his goats were kept like his horses, they would likely need their hooves trimmed. Some horses may need to be reset sooner, and some can go a little longer. It’s one of our most treasured guilty pleasures to get together once every couple of weeks and clear our minds from the pressures of work and family. What does trimming hooves do? They need to have their feet trimmed ever 6-8 weeks so what better way. A: Hi Selina. Depends on the horse. Most people have a time line of every 6-8 weeks though. Too many people are quick to dismiss their horse has fussy or sensitive hooves. It comes down to bread and butter. Unfortunately, this is often the situation during the very months when you want to use him the most: late spring, summer, and early fall. I recently caught up with a couple of friends for coffee at our favourite local café. It's a protective barrier against getting knocked and bumped, and it grows out constantly just like our nails do. Even if the horse has distorted looking hooves, I don’t worry. You’ll quickly learn to tailor the natural trim for your horse’s individual needs. So how often should your horse see the farrier for trimming? Some horses may need to be reset sooner, and some can go a little longer. All blog comments are checked prior to publishing, “About every 10-12 weeks or so” she answered, a little too nonchalantly for my liking. Some horses need a trim every 4 weeks while others may be fine with a trim every 6 - 8 weeks. Again, you know your equine partner better than someone trimming 100+ horses per month. Using a four-point trim and/or shoeing method to accelerate capsule growth prior to long periods of wet or inclement weather is the best way to prevent routine problems that haunt weak feet." Now all of my horses are on a 6-8 week trim schedule and have been for the last 4 years. My one friend was bemoaning the fortune she had just spent on farrier’s bills as her gorgeous palomino had recently come up lame. Examining the hoof from the outside can be tricky. Consult with your vet or farrier on how often your horse's hooves need to be trimmed. How often should horses hooves be trimmed? Casual misconceptions about how often you should trim your horse’s hooves do more harm than most people realise. all my QHs feet grow at different rates. Love my farrier, he comes out, trims and lets the horses go in the pasture and I don't have to be there! “About every 10-12 weeks or so” she answered, a little too nonchalantly for my liking. With so many factors playing into the equation there is not one definitive answer. The approach to the trim should be considered too - if the horse is uncomfortable, the minimum should be done - the toe shortened and heel lowered to ensure the hoof is perfectly aligned with the pedal bone, and the walls bevelled to reduce weight bearing and therefore separating forces - it doesn't have to be pretty, just functional. This leads to hoof and joint problems. The angle of the hoof should match the angle of the dorsal surface of the pastern. Six weeks is a general guideline for good hoof health. 1/4 inch. Most horses I know had theirs done every 6-8 weeks but Brock really needs his done every 4-5 weeks (at all times of the year). Each horse is different and their hooves grow at different speeds (just like your fingernails may grow faster than your best friends') Some horses need a trim every 4 weeks while others may be fine with a trim every 6 - 8 weeks. I might take a rasp to them in between if needed - which makes less to trim the next round. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! But most people I know get their young ones trimmed MUCH less frequently than that. I trim my mare's hooves myself and I generally do a little something to them once or twice every 2 weeks. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that a horse that is spending time wandering about a soft, grassy paddock is going to require more frequent trimming than another who is working for hours a day on more abrasive terrain. A horse should have roughly a 50-degree angle of the front wall of the hoof to the ground. As horses evolved to varying degrees of size and weight, their hooves changed as well. During the summer my mare's hooves has to be done every 4 weeks, 5-6 weeks maximum. Regardless if your horse wears shoes or goes barefoot, hoof care is an important part of keeping your horse sound and comfortable. Do you not have a current farrier? Draft horses seen at public events are often supported by enormous and grotesque hooves. We’re all familiar with the variation in rates of growth from summer to winter. If the horse is clearly doing well, I am not going to interfere. Those with issues might need to be done every 4 weeks. You might think that you’re saving money on farriers, but like my friend, you’re simply going to end up spending far more when serious problems arise. It really is a case of an ounce of prevention being decidedly preferable to a pound of cure. JavaScript is disabled. A horse's hooves are trimmed when they get to "long in the toe" or too tall overall. I realize that herd owners often underestimate the impact of preventive hoof trimming. Trimming & Shoeing. ... hooves can lead to soft tissue damage like strained tendons and ligaments, 5-6 weeks maximum that... Trimmed and checked every 6 weeks usually allows for this growth familiar with the variation in rates growth... 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