Scott McKendrick, an AFA certified farrier and Utah State University Extension Coordinator of Equine and Small Acreage Programs, is helping get the word out about better hoof care.

McKendrick had a hand in the development of a handout entitled “Proper Basic Hoof Care.” He worked with two colleagues at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, on the project.

McKendrick developed the publication with Dr. Clell Bagley, USU-Extension veterinarian and Dr. Patricia Evans, an assistant professor at USU and USU-Extension equine specialist. McKendrick says it is designed to help novices as well as long-time horse owners better understand what should be done to provide proper hoof care.

The five-page publication emphasizes the role and importance of good hoof care in overall equine health. It provides a good, basic overview of trimming and shoeing and is illustrated with easy-to-understand drawings and photographs.

Among topics addressed in the publication are when a foal should first have its hooves trimmed, guidelines for shoeing and trimming intervals, definitions of balance and its importance in good hoof care, and various hoof maladies.

The handout concludes with a couple of handy lists that lay out what an owner can do and what a farrier can do to help promote better hoof care.

McKendrick says the publication would make an excellent reference handout for farriers who are addressing horse-owner groups or who just want to provide written materials to clients.

PDF versions…