Huckleberry Equine

DONKEYS MAY LOOK SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO HORSES, BUT THEIR DIETARY NEEDS ARE DIFFERENT. Because of their highly-efficient metabolism, wrongly feeding a donkey ener...gy-dense or sugary feed, feeding too rich a diet; allowing them to graze on lush green pastures and overfeeding them can cause a variety of dangerous conditions such as laminitis, ulcers or hyperlipemia. Donkeys should have a diet rich in low-energy bulk. Offering Straw is a perfectly adequate diet for them along with time monitored grazing on a scrubby pasture. Avoid feeding them grain, sugary treats, alfalfa hay, unnecessary supplements, or other feeds that can spike insulin levels or cause obesity. Donkeys are thrifty animals and flourish on what other barn animals would normally turn their noses up at.

If you ever wondered what it takes to support healthy growth and maintain good hooves sign up for a hoof care clinic! There just happens to be availability with these ladies :D

It's that time of year again where sensitive horses can have flare ups and start have soundness issues. Check out this webinar to find out what to watch for and how to prevent laminitic episodes. Happy Watching!

Have you ever wondered if there is a way you can support your horse and safely teach them how to stand calmly for their pedicures? Have a peak at this webinar from Amazing Horse Country!

What are some ways to set your horse up for success in achieving healthier feet? Nutrition: a forage-based, mineral-balanced diet will supply the hoof the nut...rients it needs to grow healthier wall, a tighter laminae/white line connection, healthier frog material, and often will help with sole depth and comfort. Good environment: a turn out environment where the horse isn't standing in pee/manure/mud/muck all the time, but instead has clean areas and ideally somewhere they can dry off too, if possible. Good movement: heel first, balanced landings increase perfusion (circulation) in the hoof capsule and stimulate the caudal hoof to strengthen. Good hoofcare: consistent hoof handling by the owner and regular hoofcare appointments, thrush treatment as needed, and attention given to any potential issues that might be creeping up ensures you catch problems before they become serious. Don't accept unhealthy feet, and don't assume older horses can't get stronger hooves! Pictured is an older mare I met just over a year ago. When the new owner acquired her, we pulled her shoes and the owner incorporated a forage based, mineral balanced diet, 24/7 turn out, and the care and attention the mare needed to grow a healthier foot. I didn't realize how much healthier her feet had become until the owner sent me these photos today. The "before" photo is dark, unfortunately, but I think the changes still can be seen! Not all horses may have a miraculous hoof turn-around, but it doesn't hurt to try by incorporating some of the ideas above. Show me some of your hoof progress photos!