Foal Hoof Care
I recommend that a foal be trimmed as soon as 2-3 weeks after it is born. Then follow a regular trimming schedule about every 3-4 weeks, until the foal is weaned(4-6 months of age). Then place them on a 6-7 week trimming schedule until they are about 1-2 years old. Then at 2 years bump the trimming schedule up to 8-10 weeks depending on how fast or slow the horses feet grow. This schedule system is not right for all horses, there are always exceptions to every rule, however, it is a pretty standard scheduling system that is sufficient for most. Diet is essential for foals to be able to grow strong, healthy hooves. Be sure to place them on, and regularly feed them the suppliments sugested to you by your Vet.
Another important factor in healthy development is a place large enough for the foal to get daily exercise. I always turn out my mare and foal in a seperate pasture after the first week, I find this to work well.
I suggest to anyone that imprinting your foal is another important factor and should be done as soon as the first few days of birth, etc.... Horses that are imprinted are easier to train, and well, they are just a lot different than horses not imprinted such as, their temperment, health, soundness, performance, etc...
Another thing to consider is everytime you can, as much as you can, you need to be around your new foal and get him use to being handled. Pick up its feet, get him use to the feeling of someone handling their feet, so that your farrier doesnt have too hard of a time with him. Time and training will improve the ability of the foal/colt to stand properly while being trimmed, but there is no such thing as starting too soon in conditioning the foal to be handled.Your farrier will appreciate it, I guarantee it! It is not the farriers responsibility to get your horses to stand well, he/she is not there to train your horses, they are there to trim and shoe. It is your responsibility to work with your horses and get them conditioned and ready for the farrier. If your farrier does take the time to use training techniques on your horses in order to teach them to stand well, then remember that time is money for your farrier and it is fair to pay them for their time spent. |
