Contracted Hooves/Heels

A front hoof which is excessively longer than it is wide, is generally considered to be contracted. This also means that the heels are contracted.

A contracted hoof loses it ability to properly absorb concussion leaving the horse predisposed to major concussion related inquiries such as Navicular Disease, Ringbone, Pedal (coffin bone) Osteitis or Fractures and premature Arthritis.

This condition is most likely the result of improper trimming and fitting of the metal shoe by unskilled farriers. A small minority of cases are due to environmental and genetic factors.

Too much heel left on after trimming is a major contributor to this condition. The frog plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy hoof. Weight bearing on the frog (secondary weight) helps force the heels out into their correct position. When the heels are left too long, the frog loses it's ability to bear weight and as a result the frog contracts, which then causes heel contraction.

It is this expansion process which helps absorb concussion delivered to the hoof. Incorrectly set metal shoes prevent the weight bearing expansion process. No hoof protection is better than crippling your horse with unprofessionally fitted metal shoes. If your horse has this condition, the metal shoes should be removed immediately.

It is your front hooves which bear most of the horses body weight. If your horse is going to break down it is usually in the front making it vital that your horses front hooves have the correct shape and heel length. A competent horse person can determine just by looking at the front feet whether the horse is likely to succumb to a serious injury.

Be assured ...there is only one way and that is natures way, and if you divert from this your horse will break down. If your horse suffers from this condition, it is vital that an immediate corrective trimming program is undertaken by a skilled farrier.

Diamond Farrier Nipper -15 inch. Professional quality. Precision manufactured from special alloy steel with button rivet. 15 inch. Farrier Horse Nipper - 12 inches Professional quality. Precision manufactured from special alloy steel with button rivet - 12 inches Horse Rasp and File - 14 inches American pattern farrier's rasp, double extra thin. Primarily for race track and other horses with light shoes. Both sides are safe 7/8"/22mm at point Venice Turpentine for Horses 16 oz. Used to paint the soles of horses feet, prior to an event, to prevent stinging. Also used by farriers to pack quarter cracks and split hooves.

Felco Hoof Clipper Clipper for cutting the hooves of sheep and goats. Cutting and anvil blades coated with nylon to guard against hoof infections. Rubber shock absorber and cushion for protecting the wrist. Toothed center nut for easy adjustment to the blades. Screwed anvil Flax Seed Oil - 1 gal. One of the richest, natural sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, including ala derived from plant seeds. For healthy skin, coat and hooves. BET-R-HOOF Crumbles - 5 lb Gives weak, shelly hoof walls a boost of essential vitamins and minerals. Promotes healthy hooves. Contains biotin, part of the vitamin B complex, zinc, methionine and more Horse Health Pine Tar - Quart A natural, antiseptic, germicidal treatment for use on horse hooves. Available in quart. Pine tar is produced by the high temperature carbonization of pine wood. Used on baseball bats.