The Farrier and Hoof Care Principles

For a farrier, hoof care of an andalusian horse is a classic example of the basic principles that undergird successful work. Observation and horse sense, together with practical support, knowledgeable advice and team work with owner and vet.

We are working with complex living creatures, and every horse is an individual. You find plenty of good sound horses who never present with problems. And there will be horses that need special care and attention.

Hoof and Conformation

This Purebred Spanish stallion was born with his left front hoof at a lower angle than the right front. The low angle of the heels causes the foot to rapidly lose its shape. Excess pressure on the toe caused this bruising.

I shoe him with Natural Balance® shoes in front, together with Luwex® compensated pads and silicone, to spread the weight evenly across his foot.

Hoof Care of an Andalusian - Breed Specifics

Each breed has its specific morphological norms. An Arab, a thoroughbred and a Purebred Spanish horse can all be perfect in their class, but distinctly different in their conformation.
Click here for books dealing with the conformation of the Andalusian Horse.

Trim and Shoe for the Work

A horse can function well without being a textbook example of ideal conformation.

To work in harmony with the physical reality, I discuss with the owner,exactly what the horse is going to be doing, then work from there. A horse competing in dressage needs a different approach to one in a morphology class, or one going on what a friend of mine calls his ’breakfast run’ of 40km.

This stallion is a champion in morphology classes. His foot shows the tendency of the Spanish Horse hoof to be somewhat upright in quarters and heels.

This can be aggravated by long periods in the stable.

The hoof can contract, becoming ’encastillado’ or ’castled’.

The foot loses flexibility, there is weight on the quarters, and the result is quarter cracks.

I shod this horse with a support framework, and Natural Balance® shoes, and bars. The day before the show I replaced the Natural Balance® with standard shoes, and he went on to win his class.
NB When I mention a product name, that is what I chose to use at that time. I am not sponsored by anyone.

Farrier and Hoof Care in Perspective

’Farrier’ does not automatically mean shoeing, and being a farrier is not in opposition to being a trimmer. Farriers have serious training, including equine physiology, and many of them actively promote the benefits of horses going barefoot.

A good Hoof Care professional will

• consider the conformation of the horse
• assess the movement of the horse
• discern any faults

Then he or she will

• change what can be changed
• contain what can be contained
• and help wherever possible

A Farrier considers Medical History as Part of Hoof Care

Horses are like people - the longer they have been around, the more likely they are to have a couple of bumps and lumps.

Farriers and vets work with the history of the horse and with the present reality. Knowing what faces you helps in making informed decisions about the route to take.

Orthopaedic shoeing is an important part of a farrier’s work. It includes not only hoof care, but cases affecting the entire horse from leg to shoulder, back to hip, stifle to hock and the whole body.

Hoof care includes work with laminitis, navicular disease, quarter cracks and bruising, corrective trimming on youngsters and a range of other medical situations.

LAMINITIS.

Andalusian Horses are good ’do-ers’. This is in their favour, yet conversely can also lead to problems. If a spanish horse moves from a sparse open space in Andalucia to a rich lush green pasture elesewhere it is wise to carefully monitor their eating.

I have worked on many cases of laminitis, caused by various factors, and this is the subject of an upcoming page.

PLAN AHEAD

The Purebred Spanish Horse was bred to be a working horse, used in war, in the country, as a pleasure horse, and as a high school horse. An Andalusian Horse is a multi-talented horse, and still a horse for a lifetime.

Be aware of the factors that could affect your horse

• look at his conformation realistically
• recognise the demands his work will place on him
• consider his medical status

Then discuss it all with your farrier and shoe the horse or trim him barefoot with active foresight.

IT IS A TEAM EFFORT

Caring for your horse is a team effort. Working together produces positive results. Farriers support one another, and in turn link up with different vets. The result is a vibrant, ongoing interaction which always benefits the horse owner.

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Articles are for informational use only. Readers are cautioned to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.