Roaring Run Forge & Farrier

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.

05/04/2025

05/04/2025

Interesting technique! I’ve got one horse in mind that this might be worth trying on.

Case Study: Targeted Fungal Treatment Using "Firebreak" Drilling Technique
By Brian Horohoe, Irish Master Farrier

Case Overview:
A horse presented with a small hoof wall crack caused by a localized fungal infection. Rather than opting for a traditional hoof wall resection, which can compromise the structural integrity of the hoof and increase the risk of P3 rotation, a more conservative and targeted approach was taken.

Diagnosis:

Small superficial crack in the hoof wall

Evidence of fungal activity localized to the area of the crack

No systemic lameness or signs of deeper infection

Treatment Plan:

Two small holes were drilled above the area of the fungal crack.

This allowed direct access to the infected area for treatment (e.g., topical antifungal application).

The holes created a “firebreak,” similar to methods used in controlling wildfires, effectively isolating the fungus and preventing upward migration into healthy hoof wall tissue.

The hoof wall was otherwise left intact to preserve support for P3 and avoid destabilizing the hoof capsule.

Rationale:
Hoof wall resections, while sometimes necessary, can remove crucial support structure. In past cases, I’ve observed horses develop rotation of the distal phalanx (P3) due to excessive hoof removal. This approach allows for effective fungal treatment while preserving the hoof’s mechanical integrity.

Outcome:

The fungus was successfully treated using regular topical applications through the access holes.

No further spread of infection was observed.

The hoof wall grew out healthy, and structural balance was maintained.

The horse remained sound throughout the recovery process.

Conclusion:
This case supports the use of targeted “firebreak” drilling as a viable alternative to hoof wall resection in select fungal hoof infections. It offers a balance between effective treatment and mechanical preservation of the hoof.

05/03/2025

This was a fun little project to create table markers for one of our clients who got married last weekend! It was a beautiful ceremony and an outstanding reception. We’re happy to have had a small part in personalizing it for an equestrian!

04/29/2025

Good info for horse owners!