Hoof maintenance is a vital part of maintaining your horses health. You should inspect your horses hooves daily, and at least two times per week.  You will be able to become familiar with what is usual and what is not, and be able to to notice any problems that might be beginning.

Using this simple guide might aid you in your grooming routiene.

1. Looking at your horse ensure the symmetry is close, however they don’t have to be exactly equal, but very similar to the same size and shape.

2. Carefully examine for defects in the wall and coronary band.  Pick up the hoof, run your palm along the exterior of the wall to pickup any defects.  Use the exact procedure for the coronary band and then press it gently. Using these two techniques will also show soft spots and damp bearing areas.

3. Inspect the sole. Examine the colouring in every hoof. If correct they should be identical in colouration.  A well delineated dark spot should indicate a bruise or hole.

4. Examine and compare the frogs.  The hooves at the front should be the sae size and shape and the same with the rear hooves. Try to gently press each frog using your hoof pick, in most areas, with the exception of desert areas, it should be slightly spongy.

5. If already shod, hold the horseshoe and see if it is loose. Look for lost clinches, if the shoe is loose you might opt to remove it before your horse misplaces it by itself and perhaps removes a section of hoof as well.

If you continuously check each hoof, you can avoid a lot of problems by noticing the problem before it worsens.

It is recommended you work into your hoof cleaning routiene some easy steps. Use your pick working from heel to toe.  If it is tightly packed you might be required to loosen it up a bit before it can be taken off. Once all the debris has been taken out, look at all the regions of the hoof and make positive that there is not a bad odour as this is often a clear cut sign of thrush.  also make sure there aren’t any pebbles or stones embedded anywhere, even underneath the shoe.

All hooves should show a natural shine on the wall of the hoof.

If you see a smooth level surface with no cracks, circles, depressions, flares and a concave sole that touches the horseshoe, then you can be confident that your horses hooves are in great shape.

For more horse information, horses for sale and more, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

When deciding on a horse trailer, there are several features to consider. One significant aspect is whether the horse trailer will be bumper pull or gooseneck. There are many reasons why you could benefit from either design. Let’s compare these two designs to see which will work best for your needs.

Bumper Pull Designs – Good and Bad Points
Bumper pull trailers, also called tag-along designs, are horse trailers that fix to a hitch on the pulling vehicle. The trailer then “tags along” following the towing vehicle and therefore a part of the whole vehicle.

Advantages
There are a few plus points of bumper pull horse trailers. They typically cost far less than a gooseneck layout. It’s not essential to use a 4×4 pickup for hauling the trailer, because of this more people can tow this type of horse trailer with their normal vehicle. Manouverability is regularly more easy because the tag-along will go along with the path of your tow vehicle. You won’t need as much storage space for the trailer as needed for a gooseneck trailer. Finally the trailer does not have to be classified as a “commercial” vehicle for licensing purposes as the total weight of both the trailer and tow vehicle is usually under 10,001 lbs.

Disadvantages
There are several negative points as well. Bumper pull trailers do not present as much storage for tack and clothing. Certain bumper pull trailers may not be sufficient for transporting over two horses due to the design of hitch necessary for the mass of the trailer. Also, these designs tend to weave on bendy roads, which can be dangerous.

Gooseneck Layouts – Good and Bad Points
Gooseneck trailers are different from bumper pull trailers in the way they are hitched. The gooseneck is attached within the hauling pickup’s bed with a ball and coupler mating. The gooseneck trailer offers several benefits. It won’t sway or snake like a bumper trailer is likely to, and pulling is more stable. They also provide more area for living space, which can be handy for camping and longer journeys. The gooseneck design is also more easy to back up to and align with the ball whilst hitching it to your pulling vehicle, because you can view it easily from the rear window. The gooseneck style is more safe without the worry of the load becoming unhitched while travelling on the highway.

Bad Points
There are also some issues. Gooseneck layouts normally cost more and are generally bigger so they must be pulled with a 4×4 that is powerful enough to tow it. The hitching system is also more expensive for a gooseneck setup. A further negative point is that while attaching the trailer, you normally have to climb into the load bay of the pickup to complete the process. Also, you will have to detach your load top from the truck to pull a gooseneck trailer.

Choosing the Right Style
Whether you’re thinking of a bumper pull or gooseneck layout, you can go on the web to check out a number of features of each. If you’re cash is limited, you might consider searching for used horseboxes for sale and horse trailers for sale to find a bargain. Take into account the advantages and negative points of both designs before making a purchase. For more information and horses for sale, visit the Horse and Pony Directory

Horse supplies runs the full range from grooming supplies to food supplements.

But there is an elemental piece of equipment that you shouldn’t leave your shelter, or your saddlebag without.

Horse first aid pack could be just the thing that could save your horse’s life. You should be aware from experience that despite how well planned an expedition may be, there is always the possibility for something to go wrong. It’s not being paranoid, it is about being prepared. Your preparation may well help avoid your ride from turning into into a nightmare.

The kit should be stored in a container or bag that can stop water and dirt out as these encourage the development of bacteria. You would run the risk of exaggerating your horse’s infection if you used contaminated dressings. Stores that sell horse goods carry things such as a plastic zipper bag. Apart from keeping tools, or grooming gear, they are also excellent for holding first aid items. Supermarkets sell tupperware food containers in a variety of sizes. Aside from keeping possible bacteria elsewhere, you could also pick out one that could fit in your saddlebag.

Among the things that you should incorporate in your kit, a sanitizer probably is the most useful in most situations. From minor scrapes and abrasions to cuts, disinfectants are essential cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers’ advice especially when using industrialized grades as too much use could dry out your horse’s skin. Antibacterial scrubs and swabs become useful for disinfecting injuries in the absence of water. These are outstanding substitutes for disinfectants since they clean wounds with similar efficiency, but without the need for water.

Creams or wound powders are also worthy additions to your gear. They can prevent the entry of new bacteria within the wound and speed up the healing process. Though, be sure to apply ointments, powders, and creams that have been permitted by your equine vet.

A fly spray applied or sprayed on the wound reduces further infection or contamination risks noticeably. Wound coverings come in sterile unique packets and they are beneficial for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a stock of bandages in your supplies, or at least two with a broad breadth. They are good for stabilizing fractures, splints, and applying pads over bleedings. Talking of bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. Salts are good for soaking contaminated hooves and feet.

Away from these medications, there are several provisions which you can obtain from equine shops and normal pharmacies. Petroleum jellies are good for rubbing, less significant burns, and skin sores.

A thermometer is an investment to add to your horse equipment. Skilled riders advise to keep your thermometers clipped to your horses tail to avoid loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are tools you shouldn’t disregard in your equine forst aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also perfect for taking out splinters and stones trapped in horses’ hooves.

Lastly, take into account these first aid packs are just for providing your horse help in emergencies before the vet arrives. These are simply preventative measures, it is still vital to call a vet after applying first aid.

For more horse information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

When looking for horses for sale, there are a few factors which are worth considering to make the buying process easier, and to ensure you end up with your desired horse.

• Every horse has niggles – just make sure that the one you buy has issues that you can put up with and that won’t lessen your enjoyment.
• Take an expert with you, someone who is informed of your capabilities and weaknesses. In an ideal world take someone who is able to spot whether the horse is lame or any illnesses. Or perhaps your trainer who can tell if the chosen horse is suitable for the way you ride – your skill level and confidence.
• Always check the horse’s papers and passport.  A horse passport is not proof that the horse is owned by the seller so ask to see a receipt as proof of purchase. Remember it is unlwful to buy or sell a horse minus a passport.
• Find out if all innoculations are up to date. A course of innoculations can cost a lot of money and can take many months to come into effect if you wish to compete.  It will not go down well if you move a horse to another horse if it carries illness with it.
• Once you have decided the horse is for you, ask a vet to perform out the highest inspection that you can buy. Don’t rush or be forced into purchasing if you believe you need the horse checked out by your vet.
• If possible see the horse or pony carrying out the trials you would like it to do. Reschooling a horse will add a considerable amount to the cost if you aren’t in a position to do this on your own.
• Try to negotiate a test period during which the horse can be returned if it is not suitable.
• Always be realistic when buying a young horse, ask yourself if you have the necessary experience to bring it on. At the other end of the scale a more mature horse may just have the character and maturity to give you confidence and help you learn you the basics.
• Don’t feel you have to purchase the first horse you visit and don’t be pressurised by the many other people that are waiting to buy the horse if you don’t – very often this is just a ruse to rush you into an impulse buy. Take your time when buying a horse.
• Once the sale is completed make sure you insure the horse before you moved it to its new home.  The majority of injuries occur during transit or whilst introducing a new horse into a new yard with other horses.
• Trust your judgement – if you believe the seller is concealing something from you then they most probably are.
• Be mindful that your horse is a huge investment of both time and money – be sure you have considered a budget for all the expenses that you are likely to encounter.

Finally, have fun with your new addition and look forward to many hours horse riding together! Click here to find horses for sale online!