Trimming Frequency (Part. 2 of 2)
This post is part 2 of 2 on the trimming frequency – yesterday I wrote about Trimming Frequency – (Part. 1 of 2) – which is worth reading if you have yet to read it.
This post is part 2.
The Problems We Found When Trimming at 6 plus weekly intervals
A summary of the problems we encountered when we were trimming every 5-8 weeks.
1.) The growth that was occurring created the beginnings of stretched white lines as the outer wall was not self trimming enough. This then created a pull/stretch on the hoof capsule. Imagine walking on long finger nails the nails with pressure would stretch/pull away from the nail bed.
2.) This resulted not only in the stretching of the white line but also cracks in the hoof walls.
3.) The bars also become mashed in amongst the the sole tissue, so they were difficult to find and see as they became embedded as they were not being worn down enough.
This then results in the excess material of the bars creating pressure within the hoof capsule and some of this excess material would then try and push out, so creating flare on either side of the hoof capsule.
In other words this hard bar material was not being worn away so it had to go somewhere. It then lays down over and onto the sole, which then makes it difficult to trim as it mixes up with the sole horn.
This then creates excess material which then pushes outwards creating flare. It also goes upwards and causes hoof pain and discomfort.
4.) The heels grow which then takes the pressure of the frog and the natural platform at the back of the hoof, ie the heels and frog base is then compromised which then results in the hoof becoming more contracted.
I am explaining this all rather crudely but I have found it easier to learn and understand using this type of language rather than technical language which to many is not as easy to understand, unless you have to hand a dictionary or are very familiar the the physiological and pathological terminology regarding the hoof and capsule.
I apologize to anymore who knows this subject and hence may be irritated by my rather crude analogies and comparisons……
Why Do Professionals Say You Can Trim Every 6-8 weeks?
The only reason I think they say this – is because there is no way they can trim a horse every 2 weeks – it just is not cost effective for their clients.
So What Can You Do?
If you want really sound barefoot horses, learn to trim them yourself – this does however take time and commitment but the results are well worth it and the hooves will benefit beyond belief and so the soundness of your horse.
Or trim then a bit every 2 weeks and then let your trimmer balance the hoof and check it over every 6-8 weeks – in the early stages this maybe the best option – in time you may take on all the trimming yourself, but you can start off doing this and learn alongside your trimmer.
What Happens if Your Trimmer Does Not Agree With Frequent Trimming
The results will show in your horses hooves – so watch them and learn from them. That is how I have learnt and it is the truth in its purest form………..! Sorry to be rather heavy but that is how I am sure. Just by watching and studying the hooves….c’est la vie.
The Results
The results from all this are just so exciting…..
Sound horses – no farrier bills, no worry as to when the farrier is going to come, no lost shoes, no thrush, no boots, no potions, no hoof remedies, no abscesses once the hoof has transitioned, no injuries from kicks and bangs with metal shoes to human or horse, no lameness due to the wearing of shoes, no daily picking out of the hoof – just sound healthy hooves.
Finally
If you or your horse have had any recent knocks, bumps or injuries and are looking for something to help relief pain, swelling and inflammation but do not want to use anti-inflammatories or drugs take a look at our Traumeel products – or if you need any further help and advice contact me (I have set up a dedicated contact form on this website, Traumeel Remedy.
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