Ruth's Natural Hoof Trimming

10/17/2023

If you're interested in using positive reinforcement for riding check out this free webinar https://shawnakarraschequine.myflodesk.com/d9445y2xoz?fbclid=IwAR1oi2Rm0ds6e0iChla4gSKNJ_o4CmI_jJR7nV58R0bBlHI0GCSpLEKY1jw

Start your young or green horse under saddle with positive reinforcement

08/26/2022

This is true , even with slow feed nets some horses will eat themselves into insulin resistance and laminitis!

The horse pictured here is genetically predisposed to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and was given free choice, unlimited access to hay. He developed obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and ultimately insulin-induced laminitis. When he could no longer stand, hay was kept in front of him 24/7.

After getting a hay analysis, the owner was advised how much to feed based on actual energy requirements (calories consumed vs. calories expended), to weigh the hay, and to use slow feeders. When the horse was sound, the owner scattered the hay over several acres. The horse made a full recovery and achieved his ideal weight in 9 months.

For weight loss, a good rule of thumb is to feed 1.5% of current weight, or 2.0% of ideal body weight in hay (lbs/day), whichever is more. Example: Overweight horse of 1200 lbs, ideal weight is 1000 lbs. [1200 lbs x 0.015 = 18 lbs/day; 1000 lbs x 0.02 = 20 lbs/day]. Use of slow feeders or small hole hay nets will slow consumption. More information here: https://bit.ly/3Cmh50L

04/23/2022

Why shoeing can so easily cause abcesses..

04/06/2022

They make a great senior horse feed

With our Frequent Buyer Program, when you send in 15 proofs of purchase, receive a $30 visa gift card.

03/29/2022

Very good advice here on managing grass intake

Grass sugar content fluctuates with the time of day, season, and weather. Timing pasture access for horses with EMS, IR, or a history of laminitis can help prevent serious problems.

12/04/2021

Up close dissection illustrating cuts on the horse's cheek from sharp teeth. This is why horse teeth need care too

Here I look at the inside of the cheeks of a horse that was euthanised and then dissected.If you would like to see more dissection videos on the equine foot,...

12/04/2021

Choke ! It can be a problem with horses and Donkeys. This was a good article on the topic

The risk for developing a blockage of the esophagus is higher in winter, but it's wise to take precautions all year round.

12/04/2021

If you want to see how a hoof transforms itself with barefoot care

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I have recently released a brand new online education platform called eFarriery Education. If you follow the lin...

11/24/2021

Is it "stocking up" or the more Dangerous Cellulitis, know when to call the vet

Do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis( or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis) on the other hand is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

Read more on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lymphangitis-frustrating-condition

10/14/2021

Good reminders for disinfection

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought cleaning and disinfection to a whole new level of awareness inside our homes and places of work. But what about the barn?

Cleaning and disinfecting stalls and equipment has always been critically important for biosecurity, especially when it comes to controlling disease outbreaks. However, much misinformation exists when it comes to correct biosecurity procedures. For example, you can’t just spray something on a dirty stall in order to kill pathogens. It takes detergent and manual labor to remove any dirt and organic materials BEFORE disinfectants can be applied effectively.

The graphic lists a few good reminders to keep in mind when it comes to biosecurity best practices at the barn. If you’d like to learn more, additional infection control and disinfectant resources are available on both the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center's websites!

07/07/2021

This is an episode for owners and hoof care professionals

I chat with Brian Mullins of Mullins Farrier Podcast, Dr. Simon Curtis of The Hoof of the Horse podcast, and Daniel Bennett of Lockdown Farriery podcast about ways we can keep hoofcare providers safe during appointments, which also ensures a safe horse and handler.  For more info, see: