Squared Up Equine

A good example of small “sand cracks” in the hoof wall. This is something very common I see in the spring in my area. They are caused by repeated wet/dry cycles in the environment. When you look at the bevel you can see that none of the cracks extend into the inner layers of hoof wall or the white line. These are only on the surface of the hoof wall and are not a functional concern.

The internet peanut gallery would tell you this horse needs a new farrier, a different trim, shoes, a new supplement......

The benefit of having a horse on your schedule for multiple years in a row is that you get to see their feet in all seasons.

In the case of this mare (who has great nutrition, turnout, hoof care, exercise....), her walls chip up a lot every single summer. Right around the time when the spring is fading into warmer and drier weather. You could tell time by it honestly!

I trim, they get better, she goes on to have a great summer.
No big deal.
Not everything is a reason to panic.

See "after" trim photo in comments. :)

Huge shoutout to Jordan with Saddles in Motion for braving the cold and re-checking Moose’s saddle fit for me! She has such a wealth of knowledge and is a great person to know and be around!

She will tentatively be back in the area in March-get in touch to get on the schedule!