Extremely dry weather draws moisture out of the hoof, causing them to become brittle, crack, chip or crumble. Cold weather with snow and ice conditions are hard on hooves, causing cracks and chips; while wet climates over-saturate hooves, softening and weakening the hoof wall, and allowing thrush to thrive. What Read more…
A natural, antiseptic to maintain hoof health. Horse Health™ Pine Tar is intended to help restore moisture to hardened frogs, keep hooves from cracking and splitting, and maintain hoof pliability. DIRECTIONS: Wash and dry the horse’s hoof thoroughly, ensuring all dirt and debris is removed. Is pine tar good for Read more…
Intestinal or gut sounds (borborygmi), are caused by the propulsive action of the equine intestines that contain gas, water and feed. These rumblings and gurgles are normal in healthy horses, and suggest proper function of the gastrointestinal tract (normal motility). What are normal gut sounds in horses? When digestion is Read more…
DIRECTIONS: Wash and dry the horse’s hoof thoroughly, ensuring all dirt and debris is removed. Apply Horse Health™ Pine Tar with a brush and work into the hoof wall, frog, sole and over the bulbs of the heel. Repeat as needed. What does pine tar do for horses feet? HELP Read more…
Fortunately, a horse does not require iodine in large quantities. A mature horse weighing 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), at rest or performing light exercise, only requires 3.5 milligrams of iodine per day (National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 2007). What does iodine do for a horse? Iodine is a Read more…
In wet environmental conditions, the porous structure of the hoof acts like a sponge and will absorb moisture. This excess moisture weakens the connective tissue crosslinks that hold the tubules in place. These bonds will continue to weaken and stretch if the hoof is exposed to moisture for an extended Read more…
It’s non-irritating, doesn’t need to be rinsed off the skin, and can be used under a bandage. Iodine wound preparations are available in both liquid and paste forms. Does iodine need to be washed off? It is applied to the skin after the area has been cleaned and dried. No Read more…
Laminitis, which is inflammation and breakdown of the attachments of the hoof, can cause movement of the coffin bone within the foot and result in a collapsed “dropped” sole. Excessive trimming may also result in the loss of concavity. How can I strengthen my horses soles? Hoof boots that provide Read more…
Horses with narcolepsy may exhibit a temporary lack of muscle tone and reflexes (cataplexy). Familial narcolepsy has been reported in some breeds, with sporadic cases noted in other breeds. The exact cause of narcolepsy in horses is unknown and there is no cure. What are the symptoms of cataplexy? Cataplexy. Read more…
Soft soles are caused by too much moisture. Horses standing in mud or wet stalls are prone to this condition. Other causes are applying too much hoof conditioner, soaking hooves (to treat another condition, for example an abscess) and wearing pads. In order to apply Venetian turpentine the sole must Read more…