Preventive Horse Health Care Resources

A horse's hoof is primarily composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. The hoof consists of several parts including the wall, sole, frog, and heel.

Healthy hooves are not painful for horses. However, improper care or conditions like infections, abscesses, or laminitis can cause pain and discomfort.

Yes, a horse's hoof continually grows. Hooves grow approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, allowing them to be trimmed regularly to maintain proper shape and function.

If horse hooves are not trimmed, they can become overgrown, leading to issues such as:

• Cracking and Splitting: Increased risk of hoof damage.
• Lameness: Overgrown hooves can alter a horse's gait, causing discomfort or lameness.
• Infections: Poor hoof condition can lead to infections like thrush.

Regular trimming is essential for maintaining hoof health and overall mobility.

Horses should typically receive dental care every 6 to 12 months. Young horses, senior horses, or those with known dental issues may require more frequent check-ups.

1. Regular Dental Exams: Schedule bi-annual or annual check-ups with an equine dentist or veterinarian.
2. Floating: This is the process of filing down sharp edges on the teeth to prevent discomfort and injury.
3. Monitoring Feed and Eating Habits: Ensure the horse's diet is appropriate and monitor for changes in eating behavior.

Three Signs That Indicate a Horse Needs Dental Care

1. Dropping Feed (Quidding): This may indicate discomfort or pain while chewing.
2. Weight Loss: Difficulty eating due to dental issues can lead to weight loss.
3. Bad Breath or Drooling: These can be signs of dental infections or issues.

Dental care is crucial for horses as it directly impacts their ability to chew properly, which affects digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Regular dental care helps prevent discomfort, weight loss, and potential infections, contributing to a horse's overall well-being and performance.

For beginners, essential horse tack includes:

• Saddle: Choose a comfortable saddle suited to your riding style, whether English or Western.
• Bridle and Bit: A properly fitted bridle and appropriate bit are crucial for control and communication with your horse.
• Girth or Cinch: Ensure a secure girth (English) or cinch (Western) to keep the saddle in place.
• Stirrups and Leathers: Select adjustable stirrups and durable stirrup leathers for safety.
• Saddle Pad or Blanket: Use a saddle pad or blanket to protect the horse’s back.

Ensure to consult with a saddle fitting expert for your specific case, however, for reference the basics to properly fit a horse saddle:

• Measure Your Horse: Accurately measure your horse’s withers and back length.
• Check Saddle Position: Place the saddle slightly behind the shoulder blade and ensure it sits evenly.
• Assess Gullet Clearance: Ensure there’s adequate gullet clearance to avoid pressure on the spine.
• Test Saddle Fit: Check for even contact and pressure distribution along the horse’s back.
• Adjust Stirrups and Girth: Ensure the stirrups and girth are properly adjusted for rider balance and saddle stability.

Differences between English and Western horse tack include:

• Saddle Design: English saddles are lighter and designed for jumping or dressage, while Western saddles are heavier with a horn for ranch work.
• Bridle and Reins: English bridles often feature a cavesson noseband, while Western bridles may use curb bits and split reins.
• Stirrups: English stirrups are smaller, whereas Western stirrups are wider for more foot stability.
• Girth vs. Cinch: English tack uses a girth, while Western tack uses a cinch to secure the saddle.

For optimal performance and longevity, clean and maintain horse tack:

• Daily Wipe Down: Perform a daily wipe down of your saddle, bridle, and bit to remove dirt and sweat.
• Weekly Deep Clean: Conduct a weekly deep clean using appropriate leather cleaner and conditioner.
• Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect for wear and tear, especially on stitching and buckles.
• Storage Tips: Store tack in a dry, cool place to prevent damage from moisture and sunlight.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy has been utilized in Europe for decades, benefiting both animals and humans by enhancing health and speeding up recovery post-injury. Approved by the FDA in 1979 for treating broken bones, PEMF therapy is effective on soft tissues and can improve neurological issues.

PEMF therapy enhances recovery, improves neurological functions, and supports overall soft tissue health.

Yes, using an FEI-compliant machine like the Magnus Pro X2 ensures it’s safe for competition horses.

The Magnus Pro X2 is our preferred PEMF machine due to its FEI compliance, ensuring it meets international competition standards. We offer PEMF sessions for horses, dogs, and humans to enhance healing and recovery.

Cold laser therapy accelerates healing for wounds and tendon and ligament injuries by working on a cellular level. It increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and stimulates immune cells, promoting faster healing and potentially reducing the need for pain medications.

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy

Incorporating cold laser therapy into a regular care regimen helps maintain a horse’s soundness by:

• Reducing muscle tension
• Healing micro-tears from training
• Promoting overall tissue recovery

Frequency depends on the injury, but regular sessions can significantly speed up healing and reduce the need for medication.

The Game Ready system combines dynamic compression with cooling to reduce edemas and enhance blood flow by minimizing swelling and inflammation.

Application and Benefits of Ice compression boots are ideal for:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Tendons

They are effective in promoting healing and alleviating pain in affected areas.

Yes, they are excellent for reducing inflammation and swelling post-training, aiding in faster recovery.