Hoof Care Books for Horse Owners
The phrase ‘no hoof, no horse’ emphasizes how important healthy hooves are in keeping a horse sound. Whether your horse is barefoot or shod, regular hoof care is vital in maintaining a horse’s health and happiness.
We’ve found three books to help you understand basic hoof anatomy and care, and included synopses below.
1. Understanding the Equine Foot
Author: Fran Jurga
Publisher: Blood-Horse
“Keeping the horse sound and at its athletic peak has challenged humans for centuries. In Understanding the Equine Foot, author Fran Jurga discusses how to provide the horse with daily foot care, how to choose a farrier, and how to prevent certain lameness problems.
An essential guide for every horse owner, Understanding the Equine Foot covers various diseases which can afflict this sensitive and complicated part of the horse’s anatomy. Laminitis, navicular disease, and flexural deformities are examined in detail. Emergencies such as lacerations, and hoof wall traumas are also discussed. The reader will learn how to remove a loose shoe and when to remove a foreign object from a wound. Jurga, an authority on the equine foot, covers her subject matter in a highly readable, informative style. Most importantly, she encourages the horse owner to become a conscientious caretaker.”
Price: CAD$19.95
2. Horse Owner’s Guide to Natural Hoof Care
Author: Jaime Jackson
Publisher: Star Ridge Publishing
“This groundbreaking book presents a solid and scientific foundation for high-performance barefootedness while addressing concerns about the validity of natural hoof care. In a logical and non-hyped way, Horse Owner’s Guide to Natural Hoof Care counters traditional “blacksmith logic” with a clear explanation of the hoof mechanism (the different parts of the hoof working together), and lays various myths and fears to rest in the process. It then takes the reader on a step-by-step tutorial on how to trim a horse’s hooves for optimal health and performance, supported by clear pictures and text.” –L.J. Wyatt
Price: CAD$35.95
3. Horse Hoof Care
Authors: Cherry Hill and Robert Klimesh
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
“Horse Hoof Care covers what every horse owner needs to know about this critical key to a horse’s overall health and performance. Hill and Klimesh explain the anatomy of the hoof, the role of the farrier, and all the principles of good care and maintenance. They also address the ongoing debate on whether or not to shoe and how to proceed with either choice. From addressing gait problems to training a horse for shoeing, and from feeding a balanced diet to performing daily hoof checks, if it affects horse foot health, it’s covered here.
As with many aspects of horse care, daily routines and consistent treatment can prevent future problems, but even with the best care, horses may develop foot ailments. Readers will find comprehensive coverage of lost shoes, hoof cracks, thrush, clubfoot, contracted heels, and many other common problems, along with advice on treatment. A complete chapter on issues that require a veterinarian tells readers exactly what to look for and how to proceed.” –Amazon.com
Price: CAD$25.95
Books available at Apple Saddlery.
