A Horse's Sole

Before trimming

Today was a beautiful winter day and it began spending some quality time with my 2 horses.  I have enjoyed owning horses for 18 years now.  Having horses isn’t all fun; they come with quite a bit of maintenance.  For instance today I had my horses’ soles maintained.  Horses’ hooves grow similar to our finger nails and therefore need to be trimmed on a regular basis. This process isn’t painful for the horse, just as trimming our finger nails isn’t painful.  Every 6-8 weeks I have an appointment with a “farrier”.  The farrier specializes in trimming and shoeing horses.  The trimming or shoeing depends on what the horse is used for, diet, age, health condition, etc.  So it is important to have a farrier that is experienced and knowledgeable. 


Just trimmed, rasping is next step

Since my horses aren’t being used for anything specific right now, their appointment included a trim of the hooves, but no shoes.  My horses’ farrier methodically picks up each foot one at a time, carefully and accurately trims excess hoof growth, then rasps the edges of the hoof for a smooth finish.  The whole process is done in under ½ hour and doesn’t bother the horse.  Left unmaintained a horse’s foot will grow too long.  A long foot on a horse can cause inappropriate gait, stress on ligaments/ tendons in the leg, possible abscesses, and several other health conditions.  So thank you to the farriers who care for horses’ feet!  An uncommon but very necessary occupation!

Finished foot!

With spring right around the corner I am hoping to be able to ride my horses more.  I do miss riding during the winter months.  Along with horseback riding, spring will bring lots more excitement on the farm!  Calves to be born, crops to be planted, and some much needed warm weather!  So keep following for updates on all of the fun to come on the farm this spring!