Roaring Run Forge & Farrier

08/06/2025

Good write up on the hoof!

07/31/2025

Good article by Dr. Burks on feet and moisture!

Wet Feet as a Cause of Hoof Problems
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board-Certified in Equine Practice

Horses developed on prairies and their feet are most healthy when dry. Multiple factors affect hoof quality, including nutrition, farriery, moisture, and genetics. A common cause of hoof problems is excessive moisture. This includes horses that live in rainy and humid climates, those bathed repeatedly, and horses with damp bedding or that stand in the mud for long periods of time.

In arid environments, the hoof tends to dry out, and in wet conditions they become too soft. A dry foot is better than a wet foot.

The hoof maintains health by absorbing nutrient and moisture from the bloodstream. Well-nourished and hydrated horses will have good feet; even if the outside of the hoof is a little dry, the hoof capsule on the inside will fare well. Most of those cracks are superficial; however, the hoof is somewhat porous and will absorb moisture from the environment. Too much water is detrimental to hoof quality.

The hoof is made of laminae, which are ridged and tightly pack horn tubules, arranged vertically and parallel to each other. Keratin is the major component of the horn tubules, which are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are strongest when the tubules are dry. A normal hoof has a cupped sole, with a sturdy hoof wall. It operates as a shock absorption system during movement. Excessive moisture weakens the bonds, making the hoof too flexible, and reducing its shock-absorption capabilities.

A hoof that is exposed constantly to too much moisture becomes soft and weak. The sole will flatten and the hoof becomes unable to carry the weight of the horse. This leads to lameness, particularly if exercised vigorously or on hard ground. The ‘wet’ hoof will be more prone to infection as the hoof becomes even more porous, allowing thrush and hoof abscesses to become a problem. It is worth noting that the sole is the most porous portion of the hoof.

Wet feet do not hold nails well and shoes will get pulled off in the mud. Lost shoes can cost more than just money; the horse, or any others in the same area, can step or roll onto the shoe, with its attendant nails, causing puncture wounds. Injuries can occur from slipping and scrambling in deep mud or poor footing. As the hoof’s h***y tissues fail, the inner structures become overloaded and vulnerable to pressure. Stepping on a rock can put the horse at risk for a coffin bone fracture when the hoof is soft.

Persistently wet feet are susceptible to sole bruising from small stones. They are also more susceptible to thrush, which is caused by various bacteria and fungi. The frog and lateral sulci are most affected, and horses can become lame.

White line disease is also caused by bacteria and fungi that get into the inner non-pigmented space within the hoof wall. Abscesses- pockets of pus within the hoof- are common in soft feet as gravel and debris damage and pe*****te the sole and white line.

Tips to dry out the hoof:
1. Keep stalls clean.
2. Bed on absorbent wood products when possible.
3. Give sponge baths instead of using the hose.
4. Keep the wash area free of mud and puddles.
5. Provide a dry place to stand during wet, muddy weather.
6. Use an indoor arena for turn out during the wettest season.

Scattering shavings to create dry areas can be counterproductive. Pine shavings that get mixed with mud and manure create an acidic environment, which can damage the horn of the foot.

For a more permanent solution to your mud problems, consider installing high-traffic area pads (typically made of geotextile fabric, crushed stone, and a dense grade aggregate) around gates or watering areas. These smooth, dry surfaces require some initial cost, but can provide years of mud relief in high-traffic areas.

When mud cannot be avoided, a hoof dressing can be used to seal out moisture. These are best used once or twice per week; over-use can cause the hoof to rely on artificial protection, which may be counterproductive.

When the horse is brought in from a muddy environment, the mud dries on the hoof, and clay will draw out moisture, drying out the foot. Going back and forth between dry and wet is hard on the hoof, and may result in cracks, much like your hands that are wet and dry repeatedly; the skin cracks and chaps.

Horses that need to build a new foot or live in more challenging conditions may need nutrients beyond those in the regular diet, even when on good quality hay and grain. This is not most horses, but some will require a hoof supplement.

The hoof is mainly protein (keratin) for which the amino acids lysine (a first-limiting amino acid) and methionine. The latter protein helps bind the keratin fibers together via cross linking, giving strength to the hoof wall.

Micro-minerals (iodine, copper, zinc) are also necessary for hoof tissue synthesis. Biotin, a B-vitamin also impacts hoof quality. Omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed and lecithin, a substance containing several fatty molecules help create a moisture barrier to repel excessive moisture.

Keep a good watch on horse feet during wet conditions. Have the horse trimmed and shod regularly (at least every 6-8 weeks) and call an equine veterinarian at the first sign of trouble. Infections and strained tendons can impact your riding time.

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

07/30/2025

07/10/2025

Good write up by Dr. Burks at Fox Run Equine Center!

Man Made Foot Problems in the Horse
Brian S. Burks, DVM
Diplomate, ABVP
Board-Certified in Equine Practice

The ideal foot is to support the weight of the horse on the hoof wall. The hoof wall is thicker at the toe because it undergoes more wear and tear as it breaks over than other portions of the hoof. The hoof wall is attached to the third phalanx by the epidermal and dermal laminae, along with the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx.

This SADP is made of collagen fibers that attach to ridges on the distal phalanx (coffin bone) and the epidermal laminae. This makes a continuous attachment from the outer hoof wall to the pedal bone. When the horse lands on the foot, it has a force of nearly twice its weight and 67% of the shock is taken and dissipated by the SADP.

The normal forces acting on the foot demand the structure to be sound and sturdy. There is tension directed to the laminae, tension from the deep digital flexor tendon, downward compression from the middle phalanx (short pastern bone), upper compression from the sole, and forces acting on the extensor process, including extensor branches of the suspensory ligament and the common (or long) digital extensor tendon. The normal forces exhibited on impact are quite complex. The heels strike first, followed by the ground surfaces of the bars, quarters, and toe. Most horses land very nearly flat.

The sole is slightly depressed as it opposes the downward force and the frog and sole support the internal hoof structures, helping to dissipate force upon the distal phalanx.

Wild horses do a good job of wearing their feet naturally as they roam over 100s of acres of land. They must roam to find water and good forage, so their feet are trimmed in the process. Horses in the wild must have sound feet to escape predators; those with unsound/lame feet will end up as a meal. This is called survival of the fittest.

The domestication of horses has changed how nature cared for horses, and now horses’ feet are trimmed and shod in a myriad of ways. Some breeds, notably American Saddlebreds and Tennessee Walking Horses, have their feet in abnormal conformation to perform different gaits. Unfortunately, the wall grows long, removing frog pressure and allowing heel contracture. This makes them subject to a myriad of disorders, including thrush, tendon injuries, ring bone, navicular disease, and contraction of the hoof around the distal phalanx (hoof bound).

Quarter horses are now often bred for small feet, but large bodies. There is not enough foot to provide proper foundation. The small foot cannot handle the load being put upon it, and lameness often results.

Thoroughbreds often have poor feet, as they have been selected for other traits, with conformation and the foot being sacrificed.

Hoof size in horses is highly heritable and correlates with bone growth. Hoof size is also influenced by nutrition. Horses that are fed an optimum diet have an 80% increase in hoof-sole-border size compared to those fed a limited diet. Good nutrition encourages maximum bone and hoof size, leading to soundness.

Maintaining healthy feet also includes hoof moisture. The hoof wall has a stiffness gradient, with the driest portion externally and the interior laminae having more moisture, which allows for flexibility. Horses that stand in a continuously wet environment have poor feet because they imbibe water from the environment. Drier feet are harder and tougher. Wet feet lose their strength due to deterioration of the hoof wall tubules and their matrix. The heels become compressed, the hoof becomes out of balance with the breakover moving forward- long toe, short heel syndrome or underrun heels.

Out-of-balance feet and underrun heels put tremendous pressure upon the navicular bone and the deep digital flexor tendon, along with other ligaments around the navicular bone and coffin joint. There is stress and tearing of laminae.

Moving the breakover point (usually about ¾ inch in front of the frog apex) disrupts the forces on the DDFT and navicular bursa. The forces are no longer distributed evenly. This leads to compression of the digital cushion and heel compression from abnormal loading, further reducing heel growth and forcing the toe forward. Many problems in the foot have to do with trimming and daily care.

Removing too much from the hoof, leaving little support and over-trimming the frog are contrary to having a good foot. The frog should be in contact with the ground and should have a broad base at the heel. Small, narrow frogs with a crevice in the heels or the central frog sulcus do not help pump blood out of the foot and the hoof will grow less and become less sturdy.

1. Make sure your horse’s hooves are long enough. There are many important and sensitive structures inside the hoof that need to be protected; that protection is the hoof. Your horse must have a certain amount of hoof in order to keep the tendons, ligaments, bones, and other soft tissues from becoming bruised and battered.

Horse Weight Toe length
Horse Size Kg Pounds Cm Inches
Small 360 – 400 800 – 900 7.6 3.0
Medium 425 – 475 950 – 1050 8.25 3.25
Large 525 – 575 1150 – 1250 8.9 3.5

2. Be sure that there is adequate sole depth. The sole protects sensitive internal structures, so avoid carving out swaths of sole; removal with a stiff brush may be sufficient in some cases.
3. Trim to an angle appropriate for your horse. There is no ‘proper’ angle. Every horse is different. Most horses should have a straight hoof-pastern axis.
4. Use a large enough shoe. The foot should not be made to fit the shoe; rather the shoe should be made to fit the foot. Small shoes lead to contracted and underrun heels. This leads to degeneration of the navicular bone and its associated structures by causing inflammation. Use the biggest shoe the horse can practically wear.

Maintaining good feet takes effort. Proper trimming and shoeing, good nutrition, moisture balance, etc. help make good feet. Man-made problems can be overcome with diligence. Remember: “No frog, no foot, no foot, no horse”!

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

06/20/2025

Farrier Clinic: Riley Henson, CJF, CRS Horseshoes

“A new way of looking at navicular syndrome, ringbone, and soft tissue injuries”

Friday, June 20th, 3-8 pm
@ Roaring Run Equestrian Center
1036 Martin Road, Apollo, PA 15613

Cost: $25 (includes pizza and drinks)

RSVP to Wayne Sodowsky (913)547-2508

05/25/2025

Great overview of a PPE!

PrePurchase Exam of the Horse
Brian S. Burks, DVM, DABVP
Board-Certified in Equine Practice

The purpose of a PPE is to evaluate the horse’s health, soundness, and overall suitability so you can make an informed buying decision—not to give a horse a “pass” or “fail” grade. It is not uncommon to hear about a horse that comes up lame or ill within a few days or weeks.

The veterinarian’s role in the PPE is a critical part of the buyer’s investment, helping the buyer to evaluate a horse before a commitment to purchase is made. Expectations for the horse are an integral part of the PPE. Horses are living creatures that change with time and use; consequently the evaluation is an assessment at a specific point in time. None-the-less, it is important to examine the animal for what is present now and what may occur in the future as a result of the PPE findings.

To help your veterinarian get the clearest picture possible, come prepared with the following:

• Any available medical or vaccination records from the seller
• A copy of the bill of sale or purchase agreement (if applicable)
• Tack and equipment if an under-saddle evaluation is needed
• A list of your goals for the horse (e.g., intended discipline, short/long-term plans)
• A notepad or mobile device to take notes during the evaluation

Veterinarians evaluate the medical aspects of the horse- general health and soundness. Other examinations can be performed, dependent upon the intended use of the horse, such as racing or breeding. We do not ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ the horse during the evaluation, but rather make the buyer aware of any abnormality that may be present and affect the intended use. It is best if both the buyer and seller are present during the purchase examination.

A pre-purchase examination should include the following:

• Share your expectations and both short- and long-term plans (e.g., showing, breeding, trail riding).
• Ask your veterinarian to outline recommended procedures and explain why each one matters.
• Discuss and agree upon the cost of the exam and any optional diagnostics.
• Be present during the examination, along with the seller or their agent.
• Review the findings privately with your veterinarian.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification on any results.

A typical PPE begins with a comprehensive physical exam, which includes:

• Vital signs and overall body condition
• Eyes, teeth, heart, and lungs
• Skin, limbs, joints, and hooves

The teeth are evaluated for age, dental points, malocclusions, hooks, waves, and missing teeth. Horses with dental abnormalities may require increased dental work. A horse with recently floated teeth and a clean preputial sheath suggests a horse with good care.

The horse’s vision and critical structures of the eye are assessed.

The cardiopulmonary systems are ausculted for abnormalities such as murmurs and arrhythmias. The lungs may have abnormal sounds, there may be mild nostril flaring, or there may be an increased respiratory rate.

The skin is evaluated for lumps and bumps that may be benign or may represent tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. Summer sores may be present in some cases.

The cranial and peripheral nervous systems are evaluated for abnormalities. Hearing, neck flexibility, and various reflexes are tested. It is important to rule out neurologic disease as diagnosis and treatment can be quite involved and expensive.

The horse’s conformation is evaluated. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints are all palpated, assessing for pain, heat, stiffness, or decreased range of motion. Secondary/compensatory problems, such as a sore back, may be detected and may provide clues to the type of primary problem that exists. Hoof health is also evaluated. The foot should have a robust frog that contacts the ground and is free of disease. It should not be growing forward or underrun.

Next, the veterinarian will observe the horse in motion—walking, trotting, and possibly performing under saddle—to detect subtle signs of lameness or gait irregularities. Hoof health, shoeing, and limb conformation are also evaluated, as they directly impact performance and long-term soundness.

Different types of horses have different physical demands, and the exam should reflect that.

• Performance Horses: If you are purchasing for high-impact sports (jumping, dressage, racing, endurance), your veterinarian may recommend more extensive lameness evaluations, radiographs of high-stress joints, or advanced imaging to assess joint, tendon, and ligament health.
• Breeding Horses: Buyers interested in breeding prospects should prioritize reproductive soundness and genetic health. This may involve reproductive evaluations, ultrasound, and screening for heritable conditions.
• Pleasure or Companion Horses: These horses may not require as many diagnostic tests, but a general wellness check is essential. Your veterinarian will focus on mobility, dental health, hoof condition, and temperament to ensure the horse is suitable for a lower-intensity lifestyle.

Based on the horse’s intended use or findings during the initial exam, additional diagnostics may be recommended, including:

• Radiographs (X-rays): Evaluate bone structure and detect reasons for lameness or joint issues.
• Ultrasound: Visualize soft tissue structures, such as tendons and ligaments. It is also used for a breeding soundness examination.
• Drug testing and blood work: Assess overall health or screen for medications that may mask underlying issues.
• Endoscopy: Evaluate airways or gastric health (e.g., signs of ulcers).
• Bone scan (nuclear scintigraphy): Detect bone abnormalities not visible on X-ray.
• MRI: Provide detailed imaging of both bone and soft tissue, particularly in complex or subtle cases.

Radiographic examination of the feet and hocks is quite common. Other areas may be radiographed depending upon the intended use, examination findings, or insurance requirements. Radiographs are interpreted in conjunction with the soundness examination. Unremarkable radiographs do not confirm the lack of pain and inflammation, just as some radiographic abnormalities do not confirm the presence of inflammation.

At the conclusion of the examination, go through the findings with your veterinarian and ask any questions you may have.

Fox Run Equine Center

www.foxrunequine.com

(724) 727-3481

05/25/2025

Some good pointers here!

05/12/2025

FYSA, changes coming in the industry. We will adjust specific pricing based on price as needed. No immediate changes but we will continue to monitor.

A letter to our valued customers -

05/05/2025

If you can help out Flying Changes Equine Rescue, please consider donating as they’ve taken in a horse that was surrendered last week.