March 2018 6 Arizona REAL COUNTRY the magazine Mike Barna Publisher mbarna@963realcountry.com (602) 622-3695 Erika Smith Royal Editor erika963realcountry@gmail.com Misty Voitovski Creative Director Contributing Writers C.L.”Lee”Anderson, Desiree’Byrne, Kimmie Dillon, Charlie LeSueur, Tim Lonchar, Jim Olson, Robert Piekow, Bob Roloff, Michael Sandford, Buddy Uldrikson, Michele Wilson, JolynYoun Arizona Real Country is owned and published by Barna Broadcasting LLC. No person, organization or party can copy or reproduce the content on our website and/or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editor’s panel and the author of the content, as applicable. The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Ask the Vet HOOF HARDENER VS. OIL Q: What is the difference between hoof hardener and hoof oil? Depending on what climate you live in and what season it is (dry or humid; spring, summer, fall, winter, etc.) when should I use hoof hardener and/or oil? Is it possible to use too much hoof hardener and/or oil? Where is the most beneficial place to apply hoof hardener and/or hoof oil? Like the wall or sole frog area. A: Hoof dressings (oils, sealants, and hardeners) are generally applied with the intent of influencing moisture levels in the hoof. Their application will vary depending upon the manufacturer’s guidelines; most are applied to the wall, some are applied to the sole, and few are applied to the frog. Hoof oils are quite common and have been used seemingly forever. Nevertheless, they’re not always the greatest choice. They tend to attract and trap dirt, moisture, fecal matter, and other “ick” to the hoof and can potentially encourage bacterial growth. Likewise, while they appear to be moisturizing the hoof, they generally don’t penetrate and absorb well. Hoof sealants are also quite common, and serve well to temporarily replace the hoof’s natural varnish when it has been abraded naturally by the environment or through maintenance. However, they are a sealant and a barrier, which potentially inhibit the natural internal/external exchange for moisture regulation. Hoof hardeners are the newest on the scene, and are quite different from oils and sealants. Despite the idea of them serving to harden the hoof, they actually serve to regulate moisture levels within the hoof through a process of cross-linking the keratin molecules within the hoof and supplying additional atoms and volume to strengthen the existing structures. The process requires regular and diligent application, however, and it’s important that no other topical is used that will disrupt or interfere with the cross-linking. EXFOLIATION OF THE FROG Q: After a recent ride, I picked up my horse’s hoof and found that the frog was hanging off. Why is my horse’s frog falling off, and what should I do about it? Is he okay? A: Many people understand exfoliation in terms of human skin cells whereby dead cells are chemically or mechanically removed to improve the aesthetic look of the skin. The horse’s sole and frog are similar in their cellular makeup to skin and therefore undergo a process whereby older cells “shed” over time. The process involves the outward migration of epidermal cells that slowly die and accumulate keratin. Keratin holds the dead cells together into a structural, protective, tough covering like a Band-Aid. In most cases, exfoliation of the frog goes unnoticed or is seen when the farrier trims the feet. (It’s also what the dog likes to eat after your farrier’s visit!) In certain environmental conditions, however, this structural covering will “shed” or exfoliate all at once or in a large piece. Much like a snake shedding its skin, the appearance can be very similar to the live anatomical structure and can therefore be concerning. If there is some retention of tissue in the normal process of exfoliation, then the process can be attenuated by trimming away the remaining dead keratinized frog. SELECTING A FARRIER Q: How can you tell if your farrier is doing a good job? A: Without actually learning the farrier trade, which takes years and years, you’re kind of taking a leap of faith when evaluating the competency of a farrier— similar to what you do when you select a mechanic, a doctor, a plumber, a lawyer, or any other specialty provider. However, what those professionals and tradesmen have that a farrier doesn’t is a license. In North America, farriery is not regulated, so you have no assurances of baseline knowledge or skill. Nevertheless, many motivated farriers will have voluntarily submitted to testing through the American Farriers Association (AFA). To that end, when “flying blind,” it’s a good idea to look for someone who has earned the AFA’s CF (Certified Farrier) or CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier) credential. Beyond that, you’re looking for someone who: • Pursues continuing education • Works well with a team (vet, horse owner, trainer, etc.) • Gets along with animals • Understands options and helps you determine best choices • Performs his/her work confidently and comfortably • Takes the time to work with you and your horse(s) • Answers your questions honestly and adequately and doesn’t make up answers • Pays attention to your horse and alerts you to potential issues/problems And most importantly, you’re looking for someone who addresses the individual needs of your horse(s). As an apprentice, my mentor once told me that if I saw two horses that were shod exactly the same, at least one of them was shod wrong. Follow Arizona Real Country for news, events, giveaways and more! 801 W. 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