My Horse's Legs when out hacking

[-Horse-Mad-]

I have a lovely older horse, whilst out hacking i never place any boots on his legs, the tracks aren't the flattest and are quite stony and muddy, with some thorn stems that poke out of the grass, do i need to avoid these? We usually canter the grass bits, and usually have a canter on the dried sandy parts too, but i worry about his feet and legs and especially with him being older.Their some plastics bit on the track too, which we use to ride over, but now i have got more cautious, when we have come back from a ride, i 95% of the time always pick out his feet and hose them down afterwards. What can i do to help support and protect my boy's feet, Many Thanks.

 

[L&M]

Unless he brushes or over reaches, I wouldnn't worry about boots.

There are various hoof supplements available that will support his foot growth, such as Farriers Formula. Shoes will protect his feet to a large extent but you can also get sole hardeners that you paint on if you are worried about rough going, but again unless he appears to have a problem with rough ground, would not worry too much.

You sound like you are doing everything right!

 

[-Horse-Mad-]

Thanks again for your response, much appreciated, as i am quite a worrier, this advice is much appreciated, Thanks again.

 

[-Horse-Mad-]

He doesn't seem to over reach with his legs, but i may consider the supplements and the sole hardeners, he does need his feet trimming, and sometimes he does stumble, do you think just hosing down and picking his feet out are enough. He is a veteran and with his breed he as got thin legs.

 

[L&M]

Picking his feet out is always a good idea, and would personally only cold hose if there was any heat.

 

[L&M]

Have a look at Keratex for hoof products, and Naf used to do a sole hardener that you painted on too.