Those of us “hoof-obsessed” often have a few basics we look for in healthy hooves, such as strong digital cushions, healthy frogs, comfort over various surfaces, etc. When comparing bare feet that can do their job happily to a horse that is sore when they lose a shoe, we usually see a stark difference in the health of the outer structures, and also how the frog and heel bulbs feel when palpating them.
So why do some horses have such beautiful well-developed feet, and some don’t? Is it all “just genetics” or are there other factors at play?
Melody O’Brien, a PHCP mentor and clinician, and I chat about what we see causing some of the healthiest hooves on horses.
You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under “The Humble Hoof,” or directly at this link.
For those who want to geek out on topics like this, register for this year’s Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners Conference in Chicago, IL, October 3-6, 2024! Visit progressivehoofcare.org/conference to sign up and I will see you there!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Equithrive offers supplements for everything from metabolic health to joint support – get 20% off your first order at equithrive.com with code HUMBLEHOOF
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A special shout out to Grid as New, Mud Control Grids – they are a game changer for any mud issues, big or small! – mudcontrolgrids.com
Also be sure to check out Hay Boss Feeders – haybossfeeders.com – for all your slow-feeding needs. I get my Hay Boss feeders from Mountain Lane Farm in NH!
