The bit should fit comfortably across the bars (the toothless gap between the incisors and molars) of the horse’s jaw, and that may mean there isn’t just one wrinkle or any wrinkle at all. If you fit a jointed bit, like a D-ring or loose ring snaffle, there may be Read more…
The majority of the states require rabies to be administered by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Unvaccinated adult horses: Administer a single dose and revaccinate annually. Vaccinated adult horses: Revaccinate annually. What does rabies do to horses? Once a horse shows signs of rabies it invariably dies Read more…
Several rabies vaccines are available for horses; these appear to be both safe and effective in preventing rabies. Annual revaccination of adult horses is generally recommended. Your veterinarian can recommend aspecific vaccine and booster schedule based on current guidelines and status of horses to be vaccinated. How does rabies affect Read more…
In primary cases, contracted heel is a result of unbalanced feet or overgrown hoofs. In secondary cases, contracted heels are caused by lameness and disuse of the limb leading to hoof atrophy. What are contracted feet caused by? Shoeing and/or incorrect trimming of unshod hooves, combined with unsuitable ground (too Read more…
Rabies vaccination is extremely effective in horses, producing an excellent immune response even with a single dose. It does not require complex adjuvants that some other vaccines need to stimulate the immune system, which also makes it less likely to cause an abnormal vaccine reaction. Are horses immune to rabies? Read more…
Sheared heels are most likely caused by abnormal forces being placed on one side of the foot and are seen frequently in horses with abnormal limb or foot conformation on the affected foot or feet. How do you treat sheared heels in horses? The most conventional treatment for sheared heels Read more…
Races are traditionally started with gunshots. At the sound of a bang, sprinters leap off the blocks and accelerate down the track at breathtaking speeds. But the seemingly small duration of time in between the gunshot and the start is actually a sizable gap. What gun do they use to Read more…
The clench is the end of the nail that is visible on the hoof wall. It is nipped off and turned over so that it acts as an anchor for the nail in the hoof wall. What is a clinch block? Diamond® Clinch Block is a hardened steel block encased Read more…
Contracted heels are characterized by a narrowing of the heel between the two bulbs, the soft fleshy area where the hoof wall, heel, and coronary band come together. When this happens, it is important to provide the proper hoof support in order to manage the condition, improve hoof health, and Read more…
When horses’ feet land unevenly, the hooves become misshapen and out of balance — crooked legs, bad joints or upper leg pain can all cause sheared heels. Likewise, hooves that have been neglected or subjected to bad trimming or shoeing are prone to sheared heels. How do you treat sheared Read more…