It will be challenging to cut a horse's hoof into the shape! Yes, it is. But hoof trimming is an inseparable part of the horse's grooming. Let us recall the structure and specification of the hoof before diving deeper into the procedure and tools required for trimming overgrown hooves in horses.
What are Normal Hooves and Overgrown Hooves in Horses?
The hoof is the hard ventralmost part of a horse's limbs that covers the third phalanx or coffin bone. Hooves chiefly contain keratin protein parts to make their structure firm. Hoof works as protection from wear and tear of tissues and softer bones. The hoof follows a characteristic growth pattern, but excessive growth may occur in several weeks.
Excessive hoof growth is a common problem in horses. As traced, the causes of excessive hoof growth are primarily due to the domestication of horses. Their hoof overgrows when it's not put to work.
Overgrowth of hoofs leads to severe complications. To overcome these problems, horse owners should perform hoof trimming routinely. Trimming of the hoof allows maintenance of hoof structure and hygiene. It also relieves animals from pain, as overgrowth of the hoof is very painful. One can jump into this article to learn all about trimming overgrown hoofs.
Why is Timely Hoof Trimming Essential?
'No hoof, No horse' is a common saying that can be traced back in time and is undoubtedly true. The importance of a hoof is no secret. It provides protection, acts as a shock absorbent, and helps maintain horses' weight distribution and heat dissipation.
Since everyone knows the importance of a hoof, one can understand the importance of hoof care.
Proper hoof care is a mandatory measure for maintaining the animal's overall health and also eradicates or nullifies problems such as lameness. If one looks for overgrowth of the hoof or signs of an unhealthy hoof, one can save the animal from septic infections, aiding its overall health.
Discomfort in walking and lameness are alarming signs of an overgrown hoof; if one implies good hoof caring measures (such as trimming), it'll significantly help the animal.
How to Trim Horse Hooves that are Overgrown
Trimming of hoof through a painless process isn't a cakewalk; it's a complex process and should be performed only by a farrier, that too with utmost precautions. Farrier is a smith who shoes horses and is responsible for other hoof management practices. A farrier's prerequisite for hoof trimming is farrier tools, tools used for trimming, and other farrier practices.
Farrier tools
Sets of tools are required to trim a horse's overgrown hooves, and these are combinedly called farrier tools. Farrier tools are essential not only for trimming hooves but also needed at the time of horseshoeing.
Below listed are the farrier tools used in overgrown hoof trimming in horses:-
● Hoof nippers
● Farrier's knife
● Farrier's rasp
● Hammer etc.
Experts should always perform trimming of the hoof in horses. Or a trained veterinarian or a farrier must be assigned the task (Both are qualified to perform trimming of the hoof).
Know How to Trim Horse Hooves in 6 Steps
Trimming is a step-by-step process. The steps of hoof trimming are listed below:-
Step 1: Start With Soaking of Hoof
The rigidity and toughness of a hoof are known to us, and one can understand how hard it can be to trim such a hard surface. Therefore the hoof is first soaked in water to moisten it, and then only the following steps of hoof trimming are followed.
The horse's feet are dipped in water (filled in a basin or appropriate container) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Proceed With the Leg Positioning
The farrier must ensure that the animal is comfortable to reduce his stress.
A farrier should lift the horse's front leg and gently push it towards the front side so the horse's knees rest on his (horse's) chest. The hoof will automatically face the farrier. The farrier should let the hoof rest between his (farrier's) knees.
This positioning allows the farrier a clear view of the hoof, reducing the chances of injury or incompetence in trimming the hoof.
If the horse is an active kicker or uncomfortable, trimming should be performed with extra care for security.
Step 3: Clean the Hoof After Positioning
This step requires a hoof knife. Once the leg is in position, it is firmly between the knees. One hand supports the gripping of the hoof while the other one holds a knife for scrapping.
Soaking of the hoof (1st step) aids in Cleaning mud and stuck dirt in the hoof. The hoof should be thoroughly cleaned even if it requires multiple attempts.
Step 4: Trimming the Outer Hoof Wall
With the help of hoof nippers, a farrier removes the outer overgrown hoof wall. Hoof nippers work like nail cutters. Place the green part of the hoof under the teeth of the clippers and press it. Hoof nippers should be sharp for effective trimming.
The overgrowth of the hoof wall is more commonly observed in young and active horses, i.e., age, fitness, and overall health act as determining factors for hoof growth.
Take precautions while cutting off the hoof wall. The angle of the cutter to the hoof must be appropriate to avoid any injury. Assure the accidental cuts are shallow (if any) to ensure the safety of the foot.
Step 5: Do the Filing of the Cut Hoof
Just like we file our nails after cutting them, we file the horse's hoof after cutting or trimming the hoof. It smoothens the uneven edges formed due to the cutting of the hoof wall (step 4). The hoof is filed with the help of 'rasp' (a farrier tool).
Rasp is moved across the uneven part of the hoof gently and slowly. The swift movement of the rasp should be unidirectional, from the higher heel to the other (or either heel). Continues the process till the hoof is flat around the hoof walls. Filing is an essential part because pointed and uneven features of the hoof will disturb weight distribution, which may further lead to lameness and uneasiness.
Step 6: Removing Dead Flesh for Finishing
Trimming of the hoof isn't only upto to the outer hoof wall trimming. Tough dead skin accumulates on the hoof's inner side, usually in the heel and frog area. The top layer of dead skin is cut via a hoof knife. The top layer is etched until the area starts feeling soft. The frog part of the hoof is delicate, prone to cuts, and requires extra attention. Use a rasp file to check the evenness while cutting to avoid any mistakes.
FAQs
Q1. Is hoof trimming painful for horses?
Ans. Hoof trimming is pain-free since the hoof is a hard keratin-made part with no nerve ending, but only if done correctly. Mistakes while trimming the hoof might lead to severe complications like bleeding and lameness.
Q2. Why do horses need to cut their hooves?
Ans. Hooves show a continuous growth pattern, just like our nails. Cutting hooves is to maintain shape and avoid irregular weight distribution and other problems. Almost all horses need hoof trimming except for the wild horses who shed their hoof to run in the wild.
Q3. What are the Precautions needed while hoof trimming?
Ans. A trained farrier or veterinarian should always perform the hoof trimming. To avoid complications and lameness, one needs to follow precise balancing measures, which are the expertise of a farrier.
Q4. What must be the interval between subsequent hoof trimming?
Ans. Overgrown hooves are shed while running, but hooves should be trimmed nearly every 6 to 8 weeks, ideally and routinely.
Conclusion
Hoof trimming is essential to maintain overall hoof health. The overgrown part of the hoof is cut to keep the hoof shape in check. Horse owners should know all the basics about hoof trimming, its importance, procedure, and precautions to provide a better hand to their horses. We have described the standard 6-step method of hoof trimming along with the tools to create general awareness among horse keepers.
Trimming of the hoof, although a non-painful process, is risky if not performed by an expert. Therefore trimming should always be performed via a farrier or a trained veterinarian. Uneven or over-cutting of the hoof may lead to severe injuries and bleeding.
Hoof trimming is a routine practice and should remain so if one aims for their horse's better hoof health.