There are new studies being done on the wild mustang hoof, which differs in many respects from the hooves of domesticated horses. Researchers are hoping to discern which factors are controlled by genetics and which are caused by environmental conditions. Although the details of this study might not be for the average horse owner, there are deductions that can benefit everyone.
Feral horses live in many environments, but studies of those in drier, more abrasive areas are especially valuable. The wild mustang from high plateaus in the American West or rocky wastes of Australia have short, rounded feet that are hard enough to withstand the constant wear. Wild herds in more humid climates with muddy or sandy ground will not share these characteristics.
The wear on hard ground keeps both toe and heel short. The frog need not be prominent, therefore, to achieve its function of promoting blood flow. The soles are thick, as are the walls of the foot. This short, round configuration seems to give superior soundness to these animals who never see a farrier. The coffin bone stays parallel to the ground, which is ideal.
Genetic defects are rarely seen, since an animal with a deformity would not survive to breed and pass the trait along. This seems to support the conclusion that the development of an ideal hoof for continued survival is shaped by environmental forces. Controlled breeding of domesticated horses, in contrast, has led to more frequent occurrences of such things as club feet, which are abnormally narrow and upright.
Horse owners know that domestic horses can have many foot problems. Some of these are genetic, since kept horses don't have to depend on soundness for survival. In fact, many horses who can't hold up to the work they were intended for are used for breeding, for both sentimental and economic reasons. Other problems are caused by human intervention, such as inexpert trimming and shoeing or confinement to wet, dirty stalls.
Some things that horse owners should consider are that long toes in the horse is not natural or ideal. This can happen if the farrier does not cut off enough toe or if shoes are left on too long. Heels can also be allowed to grow too long, altering the angle of the hooves. The wall is important; it keeps the natural moisture inside the foot and strengthens the whole structure. Farriers who rasp the wall off above the nails of the shoe to give a 'finished' look cause problems that may become worse over time.
The bars that surround the frog are points of strength for the foot and should be left alone. The frog should be trimmed to make cleaning easy but not pared away enough to lessen contact with the ground. This contact promotes good blood flow to the foot and helps the foot to flex, maintaining the round shape of a healthy foot.
The wild mustang hoof is made for survival and soundness. Horse lovers, both amateur and professional, can learn much from an examination of this winning design. For domestic horses, good care, proper trimming, and careful shoeing can help off-set the negatives of a less than natural way of life.
Feral horses live in many environments, but studies of those in drier, more abrasive areas are especially valuable. The wild mustang from high plateaus in the American West or rocky wastes of Australia have short, rounded feet that are hard enough to withstand the constant wear. Wild herds in more humid climates with muddy or sandy ground will not share these characteristics.
The wear on hard ground keeps both toe and heel short. The frog need not be prominent, therefore, to achieve its function of promoting blood flow. The soles are thick, as are the walls of the foot. This short, round configuration seems to give superior soundness to these animals who never see a farrier. The coffin bone stays parallel to the ground, which is ideal.
Genetic defects are rarely seen, since an animal with a deformity would not survive to breed and pass the trait along. This seems to support the conclusion that the development of an ideal hoof for continued survival is shaped by environmental forces. Controlled breeding of domesticated horses, in contrast, has led to more frequent occurrences of such things as club feet, which are abnormally narrow and upright.
Horse owners know that domestic horses can have many foot problems. Some of these are genetic, since kept horses don't have to depend on soundness for survival. In fact, many horses who can't hold up to the work they were intended for are used for breeding, for both sentimental and economic reasons. Other problems are caused by human intervention, such as inexpert trimming and shoeing or confinement to wet, dirty stalls.
Some things that horse owners should consider are that long toes in the horse is not natural or ideal. This can happen if the farrier does not cut off enough toe or if shoes are left on too long. Heels can also be allowed to grow too long, altering the angle of the hooves. The wall is important; it keeps the natural moisture inside the foot and strengthens the whole structure. Farriers who rasp the wall off above the nails of the shoe to give a 'finished' look cause problems that may become worse over time.
The bars that surround the frog are points of strength for the foot and should be left alone. The frog should be trimmed to make cleaning easy but not pared away enough to lessen contact with the ground. This contact promotes good blood flow to the foot and helps the foot to flex, maintaining the round shape of a healthy foot.
The wild mustang hoof is made for survival and soundness. Horse lovers, both amateur and professional, can learn much from an examination of this winning design. For domestic horses, good care, proper trimming, and careful shoeing can help off-set the negatives of a less than natural way of life.
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