4 ways to prevent HOOF BRUISES

Although hoof bruises usually aren’t serious, they can put a crimp in your riding plans. Here’s how you can protect against them.

Hoof bruises typically don’t cause long-term problems, and they generally heal on their own once the aggravating factor is removed. But they can interrupt your riding schedule for a few days. Here’s how you can protect your horse’s hooves from bruises.

1. Be mindful of what’s underfoot.

Most bruises are caused by unforgiving footing. A single step on a rough rock can lead to bruising, as can exertion over a consistently hard surface, such as a frozen field. If your horse’s footfalls produce a “ring” rather than muffled hoof beats, the surface you’re riding on is too hard for fast work; stick to a walk until you find softer going. Likewise, when you are covering uneven and/or gravely footing, keep your speed to a minimum so your horse can pick his way through safely.

2. Check your horse’s hooves daily.

A quick pick out each day will remove rocks that can lodge next to the frog and lead to bruises. While you’re at it, look to make sure your horse’s shoes are neither loose nor crowding the angle of the sole between the frog and the bars. Bruises in this location are called “corns” and can occur if a too-small shoe is put on or if the hoof has overgrown the shoe, pushing the heels forward.

3. Protect his hooves when necessary.

While there’s an undeniable appeal to leaving your horse barefoot, in some instances that’s just not feasible. If your normal riding takes you over footing that can cause bruising, consider having your horse shod, or use hoof boots to protect his feet from concussion. Hoof boots are a particularly good option if you only occasionally ride across rougher terrain.

4. Stick to a regular farriery schedule.

Overgrown and unbalanced hooves are more likely to bruise. Consistent, quality farrier work will keep your horse’s feet in good shape while alerting you to conditions that might predispose your horse to bruises. If you learn, for example, that your horse has thin soles, which are susceptible to bruising, you’ll know to be especially cautious about footing.