Re: RC: paring of sole and frog

[flemmerl@rcbhsc.wvu.edu (Flemmer, Linda)]

> EPaloheimo writes:
> 
> << Does this mean we shouldn't be so concerned about cleaning out the clefts?
> I was always told that if I didn't it could cause thrush.  Eva >>
> TI writes:
> This is problematic. My best guess would be to clean the clefts but not cut
> away tissue. But my guess may not be correct.

In a properly maintained foot (ie not pared back to nothing), the horse
will accumulate and then fling out pads of dirt as he trots big or
gallops.  (Stand nearby & just see the clods come whizzing towards
you.)  This still happens when the dirt is extremely moist (aka mud),
but it packs in again quickly.  The outer portion of the mud then dries
and traps the moist parts against the foot.  Then, you get conditions
favorable for THRUSH.  Thrush enjoys moist, warm conditions.  Avoid
that, & thrush is not a problem.  :-)  (Yeah, right.  In spring?!?)

Hoof picking still comes into play to check the foot for foreign objects
(sticks, stones) and to inspect for injuries.  The foot will fill with a
"soil pad" again very quickly unless you are riding on pavement or
perhaps on a rubber-based arena footing.

Not all horses are given to opportunity to roam and run like they were
designed to.  If your horse stands in a pipe corral unless he's being
worked, this natural foot-cleaning action may not be happening.  When we
take the horse out of his natural conditions and ask him to carry a
rider for many miles, we may need to manage his care differently.

Linda Flemmer


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=