Care

Hoof Care

Hoof care must be kept on schedule throughout the winter. Many horse owners prefer to "pull" shoes throughout this period of minimal riding. Any horse to be maintained outdoors should have its shoes removed. A horse with shod feet can become ice packed, increasing the chance for slipping on snow and ice. Hooves should be routinely trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent cracks and breakage. However, care should be taken not to trim them too closely to prevent bruised, sore feet from the frozen ground. Laminitis (founder) can occur from trauma to the sole due to walking on rough, frozen ground. Occasionally, 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.

SOME CONDITIONS WHICH MAY INDICATE A NEED FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE:

• Back, neck , leg, or tail pain.
• Injuries resulting from slips, falls or training.
• Performance or movement problems.
• Sudden changes in behavior or personality such as bucking, refusals,
• Crabbiness.
• Tail to one side.
• Dragging a hoof.
• Refusal to pick up a lead.
• Cinchy behavior.
• Uneven muscle development.
• Jaw or tmj problems, difficulty chewing even after teeth have been
  checked.
• Weight loss due to pain. Head tilt.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Uneven pelvis or hips.
• A look of apprehension or pain in the facial expeession.
• Muscle atrophy, (loss), spasm, knots or imbalance.
• Pinning ears, wringing tail.
• Weakness in a leg. jumping problems.
• Short striding.
• Degenerative arthritis.
• Sciatic neuralgia.
• Sports injuries.
• Roaching topline.
• Refusal to perform in specific gaits such as canter; lateral or collected Gaits.
• Sensitivity to touch.
• Inability to engage the hind quarters. difficulty with bending or
• Flexing body or poll.
• Rider slides off to one side.
• Pain syndromes.
• General preventive and maintenance care

  If your horse has any of these problems then you need to see a vet.

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