American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Successful Hoof-care Strategies for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds
IHCS panel shares how they manage the challenges of former racehorses
Pictured Above: A panel consisting of Mike Stine (left) of Marshville, N.C.; Daniel Watson (center) of Marshall, Va.; and Sam Zalesky of Lexington, Ky.; recommend that clients have a prepurchase exam conducted before buying an off-the-track Thoroughbred. The exam will offer a clear picture of what can be expected to manage the horse now and into the future.
Farrier Takeaways
- Off-the-track Thoroughbreds come from a world without cross-ties and forges. They are often sedated during hoof care and rarely have turnout.
- These former racehorses are off-the-track for a reason. A pre-purchase exam will provide insight into the challenges that the horse has so the prospective owner can make an informed decision.
- Keeping shoes on thin-walled OTTBs can be a challenge. Glue-on shoes can be helpful to protect thin soles until a solid foot can be grown.
When a Thoroughbred’s racing days are over and has a new line of work, there’s a good chance that both the farrier and hoof-care client will face challenges.
The mounts often present with issues ranging from foot management and injuries to temperament, according to Mike Stine of Marshville, N.C.; Daniel Watson of Marshall, Va.; and Sam Zalesky, a resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. The trio of farriers discussed how they address these challenges during a panel discussion titled “Shoeing for Specific Needs: Managing Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds,” presented by Equilox at the 2020 International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
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Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
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Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.