Certified Journeyman Farrier Danvers Child offers advice to a horse owner dealing with chipped hooves.

Question:

My horse has been turned out for four to six hours a day, weather permitting, in a paddock where the barn owners dumped large limestone gravel (some pieces were the size of a woman’s fist) in front of the gates. They thought this would keep the horses from standing in that area and causing mud puddles.

Now my horse’s back feet are blown out. He is missing about an inch and a half all the way around his back hooves. My farrier had to trim off all the chips and peeled-back hoof splits to keep the hooves from further damage. But the hooves continue to split, peel back and chip

Find out the best ways to correct a horse with low heel problems.

Question:

What is the best, most-accepted correction for a horse with low heel problems? Do wedges only make matters worse?

For the answer to this question, we consulted Dr. Karen Blake with the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Answer:

That is a very difficult question to answer, as many people have differing opinions on the best method to use to correct low heel problems. There are lots of combinations of flat or wedge shoes with wedge pads, which can elevate the

low heel. Unfortunately, if the heel is collapsing or underrun, they can make the situation worse as the pad is placing pressure on the collapsed heel and that pressure adds leverage to the damaged heel and increases the crushing force, worsening the problem.

However, some farriers are able to use wedge pads/shoes with great success. Alternatively, there is another method to help the low heel called a rocker shoe. A rocker shoe elevates the heel portion of the foot by featuring a round bottom

that allows the horse to “roll” to the area of most comfort, which is usually the toe region, and thereby unweight the heel region (which essentially elevates the heel). The goal with these shoes is to create a healthier, more comfortable foot so the heel will eventually grow out to a relatively normal angle (less low).

– Dr.

Karen Blake, member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

*AQHA and the provider of this information are not liable for the inherent risks of equine activities. We always recommend consulting a qualified veterinarian and/or an AQHA Professional Horseman.

There are several treatments that can help a horse with ringbone.

Question:

Would nerving a horse with ringbone be an option to help with pain? If so, would the horse be safe to use? I mainly trail ride, and we travel along steep up-and-down hills. The horse is 22 years old and in otherwise good health.

For the answer, we consulted Dr. Karen Blake of Elite Veterinary Services. Read the rest of this entry »

Learn the facts on feeding a horse that quids his hay.

Question:

What is the best feeding for a horse that quids?

–Becky Novotny

To answer this question, we sought out Megan Connolly from AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena.

A horse will quid his hay when his teeth are no longer able to effectively chew his hay or forage. First things first: have your veterinarian check the horse’s teeth. He might be due for a float, or there might be other issues happening that would cause him to quid his forage. It’s important to have this done sooner versus later, as your horse might be losing valuable calories or risk an impaction from partially chewed hay.

If quidding is age related, a horse who quids is ready to change to a senior feed. Most senior feeds, like Life Design Senior from Nutrena, can be fed as a sole ration. Adding warm water to the feed and allowing it to soak for a few minutes turns the pellets to an easy-to-chew mash.

Rest assured that the fiber level in Life Design Senior is high enough to replace hay. You might also try soaking hay cubes for some added fiber. If you have additional questions, you can select ‘contact us’ at www.NutrenaWorld.com.

– Megan Connolly with AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena

*AQHA and the provider of this information are not liable for the inherent risks of equine activities. We always recommend consulting a qualified veterinarian and/or an AQHA Professional Horseman.

Ever wonder how to make a neat, tidy horsemanship bun? Get the inside scoop from a former AQHYA horsemanship world champion.

Carey Nowacek, the 2010 Built Ford Tough AQHYA Horsemanship World Champion, explains how to make the perfect horsemanship hair bun.

Question:

I compete in horsemanship and I understand that it’s important to have a nice, tidy bun, but I can never seem to get the hang of it. I enjoyed watching the horsemanship competitors online at the AQHA World Championship Show, but their tidy buns made me jealous!

How do you make a neat, tidy bun?

Read the rest of this entry »

Nutrena Horse Feed answers a corn feeding myth.

Question:

Is there any reason why I shouldn’t feed corn to my horses?

For the answer to this question, we consulted AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena Horse Feed. Read the rest of this entry »

Nutrena Horse Feed helps to put weight on a senior horse.

Question:

I have a 27-year-old mare, who has been on Life Design Senior and Empower Boost for about three months. She is eating two times a day, including 3 pounds of feed and 1.5 pounds of Empower. This is all she will eat and sometimes will leave some in the bucket. She is up to date on everything. Her weight and coat condition are not improving. She was vet checked in December and given a clean bill of health. She gets plenty of

fresh water, hay and grass. She is not a horse that will over eat. Do you have any suggestions?

For the answer to this question, we consulted Nutrena Horse Feed.

Answer:

Very interesting question. If she is eating a fair amount of hay and grass, then she may not eat as much Senior and Empower just because she is full. Gaining weight is primarily a matter of calorie intake and effective digestion. The hay and grass are not as energy dense as the Senior and Empower, so we may want to have her consume less hay and more Senior. There are a number of options to consider:

Option 1. Adjust the feeding schedule so that she gets a chance to eat Senior and Empower before she has a chance to fill up on hay or grass.

Option 2. Go to multiple feedings of Senior, three or more times per day.

Option 3. Also check with your veterinarian to see how she is chewing. She may need to have the Senior and Empower soaked a bit to make a nice soft mash.

It takes about 3-3.5 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of body weight gain above maintenance, so we have to adjust how many times per day and how much Senior your mare can eat.

We hope that helps.

Nutrena Horse Feed discusses the amount of Vitamin A your horse needs.

Question:

I am thinking of switching my horse to SafeChoice Original. It has 3,500 IU/lb Vitamin A, and what I’m currently feeding has 15,000 iu/lb Vitamin A. There are five other vitamins and minerals that SafeChoice has less of than my current feed. I would like

to know the daily amounts needed for the average 1,000 pound horse with light work.

For the answer to this question, we consulted AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena Horse Feed. Read the rest of this entry »

AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena explains the pros and cons of feeding your horse straight alfalfa hay versus a grass-alfalfa mix.

Question:

What are the pros and cons of feeding my two Quarter Horses straight alfalfa hay instead of a grass-alfalfa mix? Also, is it bad to feed the mix in one feeding and the alfalfa in the second daily feeding? I wonder if it’s too hard on the stomach to process the different hay. They are both hard-working horses, but their weight is good.

For the answer to this question, we consulted AQHA Corporate Partner Nutrena. Read the rest of this entry »

Find out whether you can vaccinate your horse against equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

Question:

I live in north central Virginia and have an 11-year-old gelding. Can/should I vaccinate him against EPM? Can this vaccine be given with other vaccines, or should it be done at a separate time?

For the answer to this question, we consulted Dr. Sandi Farris with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Read the rest of this entry »

Learn these tips for managing an exercise program for a horse with polysaccharide storage myopathy.

Question:

Under my vet’s guidance, I have started my 7-year-old gelding on a high fat-low carbohydrate diet, as he has shown signs of PSSM. Will you please describe a regular exercise program that is beneficial for a horse with PSSM?

For the answer, we consulted Dr. Holly Bedford with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Read the rest of this entry »

Dr. Holly Bedman explains the points you should consider before buying a horse with shivers.

Question:

I have the opportunity to purchase a very nice horse at a favorable price due to shivers. I have read that Vitamin E can help control the problem. What are your suggestions?

For the answer to this question, we consulted Dr. Holly Bedman with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Read the rest of this entry »