Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Picking The Correct Horse Boots

saddle blankets

Horses are those types of animals that need to be properly cared for. That is why people need to understand the many necessary things that horses require. Aside from the proper food and shelter, horses also need to have the right horse tack supply items, such as saddles, horse halters and horse boots/shoes, among others.

Also known as horse shoes, they are generally designed to protect the feet of horses. This is a very simple notion but requires quite a serious approach. Generally, aluminum and steel are used in making these types of shoes. Most of them have an underneath grooves that also provide a better grip. The grooves also make the horse shoes lighter. But did you know that the front part of these shoes is circular in shape and the backs are diamond shaped?

Aside from being sturdy, another factor includes the trimming of the hooves for proper fitting of the shoes. As well, there are four important aspects in shoeing a horse. These are the balance, the support, the shape and the expansion. Such evaluations should be done at least a week or two after a shoeing job. Although it might sound difficult, you only have to have a pencil and a level ground where your horse can stand so that you can evaluate the said factors.

During the winter season, it is ideal to remove the horse boots/shoes if you don't ride your horses during this time. However, if the horse is ridden during the winter, then adding pads under the boots/shoes can greatly help them from suffering bruised soles from snow and ice. Pads for your horse can be a very useful piece of horse tack supply equipment. Yet, if your local climate is not as cold as others, then removing the boots on their feet is a great way to protect your horses' overall health, as this could lead to improved blood circulation and movements.

When buying the right horse tack supply equipment, the best thing to do is to approach professional horse-care specialists. However, to get the best horse boots/shoes, seeking the advice of a farrier might help a lot, since this is the name of a person who shoes horses. A good farrier should have specific qualities before you approach them for professional services. He should pay genuine care and attention to your horse. He must also show his willingness to teach you, as the owner, the importance of taking care of the horse's hooves and scheduled visits must be done every six to eight weeks. Finally, he must offer a complete shoeing service and must work hand-in-hand with your veterinarian. There are really a lot of things to consider when you decide to become a horse owner. The right boots/shoes are but one of the important aspects to horsemanship.

No comments: