Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 2 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: How important is a horse’s overall diet in determining whether a hoof supplement may be needed?

By Rex Ewing

A: Before trying to answer the question for a footcare client, the farrier should know approximately what amounts of roughage, carbohydrates and proteins a horse of a given size and age needs for its specific level of activity. A balanced mineral ration is also important.

If the horse is getting enough of the basics and still has poor feet, a hoof supplement is in order. However, the important thing to remember is that a hoof supplement can’t work properly if the overall diet of the horse is lacking.

Rex Ewing is with the John Ewing Co. in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine). Absorbine

Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast. Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse owners around the world. Which is why, since 1892, we’ve been The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®.

Click here to read Part 1 of the June 1, 2015 installment: If a horse has been rehabilitated from laminitis or other disorders, is there an increased risk for the return of these concerns? What preventative measures can be taken to prevent the return of laminitis, and how effective are they (such as feeding vitamin- or mineral-type supplements)?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.