To learn more about hoof care go to the following URL, How a Horse Hoof Grows

Proper hoof care is an important aspect of equine management that is often overlooked. Along with regular trimming and shoeing, proper hoof care includes providing a healthy, debris-free environment, adequate nutrition, regular cleaning, and treatment of any injury or foot disease.

Improper hoof care reduces the ability of the equine hoof to perform the dynamic functions of bearing weight, absorbing shock, and providing traction. Improper hoof care also increases the amount of stress applied to the joints, tendons, and ligaments of the equine limb.

Horses are trimmed and shod to maintain the balance and integrity of the hoof. The average hoof grows 3/8 inch per month; therefore, most horses should be trimmed or shod every six to 12 weeks. However, hoof wall growth varies with climate and among individual horses, so the trimming or shoeing interval should be adjusted accordingly. Under most circumstances, trimming horses on a regular basis is sufficient, but when wear exceeds new hoof growth, horses should be shod. Horses are also shod to enhance performance or as therapeutic treatment for various diseases and conditions.