Routine Trimming and Therapeutic Farriery in Foals

Abstract

Hoof care in the first few months of life is serious business and should never be taken lightly. Farriery plays a vital role in both the development of the hoof and the conformation of the limb. Management of the feet and limbs during this period will often dictate the success of the foal as a sales yearling or mature sound athlete. A sound foot care program is time-consuming, whereas assembly-line trimming is quick and easy, but the former is much more beneficial.

Keywords: Angular limb deformity; Farriery; Flexural deformity; Foals; Hoof trimming; Tendon laxity.