10 tips to keeping your horse sound with Dr Denis Goulding

1 - The Power of Observation
Every day when you interact with your horse, be observant for any changes to the horses legs, gait and rhythm. When catching your horse, always cast an eye over each leg for any changes such as swellings, thickenings, bumps or lumps.

2 - Farrier, Farrier, Farrier
The old sayings ‘no hoof no horse’ and a ‘farrier can make or break a horse’ is true! Source a farrier with a good reputation and be good to him or her. Schedule regular visits on a six week basis to keep your horses angles, balance and hooves in the best condition possible.

3 - Condition Right
A horse heavy in condition is prone to soundness issues due to the extra weight it must carry on its lower limbs and hooves. Feed based on need. For example, if you are intending to train your horse for a more endurance based discipline such as eventing, hunting, endurance, polocrosse etc, set a feeding regime suitable for the horse, and the purpose the horse will be ridden for.

4 - Sensible Workload
Set a sensible exercise regime for your horse based on its current fitness level and the competition or goal you are eventually aiming for. Just like humans, you cannot expect your horse to run a 10 mile marathon after it has been in the paddock for several weeks. Start with a light work load and as the horse builds its fitness level up, gradually increase the work load accordingly.

5 - Work Surface
Working your horse on hard ground, uneven surfaces and boggy conditions will wreak havoc with a horse’s joints and ligaments. Be mindful of the ground you are riding or competing on, and wherever possible relocate to another area. If this type of ground is the only one you can work on, ensure horses legs are protected during work and the horses legs are cooled down following exercise.

6 - Circles
One of the most common soundness issues is from excessive strain on a horses leg from tight circle work. Avoid excessive work on the circle under saddle or on the lunge.

7 - Joint Supplements
There are a number of quality joint supplements and treatments available on the market that will assist with the management and wear and tear of horses joints and legs. If your horse has had a heavy workload over its life, it may be advisable to have your horse on a preventative treatment plan. Ask your local veterinarian for their expert advice on product recommendations, based on your horse’s conformation and work history.

8 - Leg Protection
During exercise, protect and support the horses legs with the use of well fitting boots or bandages. In the more extreme disciplines such as cross country, showjumping, cutting, reining, I would prefer the use of protective well fitting boots on all four legs. Well fitted bell boots will assist and protect the coronet and heels if the horse overreaches. For disciplines that work in sand arenas, I prefer horses to be bandaged with quality leg wraps, as the sand can be abrasive if the horse is wearing boots. For stabled horses, I would recommend applying stable wraps and bandages overnight. It is important when stable bandaging that the legs are wrapped corrrectly. You will cause more problems if the bandages are either too tight or too loose.

9 - Cooling the Tendons
After exercise immediately remove the leg protection to allow the horses legs to cool down. For horses that have had a heavy workout, ice the legs for 20 mins and if ice is not available, hose the legs with cold water.

10 - Stable Bedding
Ensure horses that are confined to a stable or yard have sufficient bedding to support the horses joints and ligaments. Scrimping on bedding will only cost you in the long run!

Story from Horse Deals Magazine January 2017

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