Does your horse suffer from sensitive hooves? This may be the cause

Sometimes horses suffer from their hooves. This sensitivity of the hooves can have many different causes. It can be caused, for example, because they have stepped into something with their hoof, but usually this is caused by a physical problem, namely that the horse cannot (properly) dispose of its waste products.

When a horse is unable to properly dispose of its waste products, you will usually notice that in its hooves first. Sometimes these complaints slumber after which they gradually get worse, but it is also possible that the symptoms suddenly appear very violently. You will notice by the horse that he will walk differently and is visibly bothered by something. If you notice that your horse is not running well and you cannot immediately find the cause, please contact the vet at all times.

Various causes of sensitive hooves

As described above, toxic waste is the most common cause of horse's sensitive hooves. But in addition to the toxic waste, fresh (spring) grass can also be a reason for sensitive hooves. Or, for example, stress, straining, poisoning or when they have eaten too much, also called "overeating".

The grass they eat has a high sugar content, which can cause problems if they eat too much grass. Because this form of sugar is mainly digested in the cecum and large intestine, there is an excess of sugars and that disturbs the intestinal flora of the horse.

The toxins that result from this can cause the horse's body to become overloaded and can result in painful hooves, also called laminitis.

Insulin resistance problems

Some horses experience hooves due to insulin resistance, or resistance increases the risk of sensitive hooves. When a horse suffers from insulin resistance - the name says it - there is enough insulin production, only the cells in the horse's body do not respond well, as a result of which the horse's body needs more and more insulin to absorb the glucose. can record.

This process can again increase the level of glucose in the horse's blood and this can affect the horse's hooves. The hooves can be damaged by this. Not all horses are sensitive to this. One breed is more troubled or predisposed to this than the other breed. Weight is also an important factor in getting insulin resistance, certain foods, a magnesium deficiency or wearing or having certain diseases.

How can you avoid sensitive hooves?

Of course you do not always have control, but there are a number of measures you could take to prevent sensitive hooves (and their consequences).

Please note the following:

• It is important that your horse goes into the pasture and has a normal weight (too heavy is really not good).
• Make sure your horse gets used to the pasture quietly. Do not immediately make the whole whey available, but give it little by little more space in the whey.
• As described above, (too much) sugar-rich grass can be a reason for sensitive hooves. This sugar-rich grass arises especially after the rain starts to rain after a long time without rain. It is advisable to pay attention to the fructan content. You can respond to this by paying attention to the time when you put your horse outside. When it is sunny, horses can graze better at night and in the morning than during the day.
• Make sure your horse doesn't get too much food, keep it fit and don't get crazy changes in its diet.

Permanent weakness

There are horses that cannot get rid of this problem and where the sensitive hooves remain a weak spot. To prevent this, it is advisable to give your horse extra antioxidants or herbs. With this you help to strengthen your horse and ensure that waste products can be removed better. The blood circulation is also extra stimulated.

Herbs that can contribute to this include nettle, garlic, horse or marigold. It is also important to give your horse little grain and to ensure that it mainly walks on soft ground. If you are unsure or if the sensitivity does not go away, always consult a vet!

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