How Many Horses Are Trims Only, Trims Plus Shoes Or No Hoof Care?

When American Farriers Journal readers provided data for the 2008 Farrier Business Practices Survey, they were asked to estimate the percentage of horses living in their area that get different levels of hoof care. Here’s how the national averages worked out:

• 35% of horses are trimmed and shod year-round.
• 30% of horses are trimmed and shod most of the year.
• 24% of horses are only trimmed.
• 11% of horses are not trimmed or shod.

Know Critical Differences Between Horseshoe Slip And Grip

British farrier Chris Pardoe maintains there’s often a fine line between distinguishing slip and grip with horseshoes. While the equine foot has evolved to where it minimizes the transfer of potentially high loads as it contacts the ground during locomotion, the Royal Veterinary College staffer says too much sliding can lead to instability and possible injury. Pardoe says it’s essential that an informed judgment be made before using any anti-slip mechanism. Just making small changes in the way the foot contacts or leaves the ground may alter limb loading and lead to long-term consequences.

Two-Year-Olds Have Longer Racing Careers

With recent speculation that racing young horses might lead to accelerated rates of injury and shortened careers, The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Safety Committee took a year-by-year look at 6 years of racing information.

“Horses who began racing as 2-year-olds are much more successful and show less predisposition to injury than horses who did not begin…