![]() Some horses’ feet don’t self-clean because of genetics or lousy hoof trimming. When it contacts the ground, it expands and pushes dirt out. If your horse has a foot condition that heightens infection risk, proper stall hygiene becomes even more crucial.Ī correctly shaped frog is self-cleaning. Remember, harmful bacteria flourish in damp, unclean stalls. This includes using quality bedding materials, such as pine wood shavings. Maintaining a clean and dry stall is key to minimizing infection risks. Dirt and debris in the horse’s feet trap moisture and create an environment for bacteria. Your daily grooming routine should include picking your horse’s feet to remove debris. Thrush Can be Prevented with Proper Stall Maintenanceĭaily foot care and stall maintenance are the best steps you can take to prevent bacterial infection in your horses’ feet. If you fail to provide a dry clean stall, your horse will continue to get foot infections. Bacteria from filthy stall floors migrate to crevices of horse’s feet, create an infection, and multiply. Most cases are caused by horses standing in moist, dirty stalls. Continue this treatment daily.Ĭlean your horse’s stall before its return. Once the foot is clean, wash out the area with iodine or another recommended solution. The first thing you need to do is thoroughly clean your horse’s foot.Ĭleaning its foot includes removing all the debris, cleaning deep into cracks, and cutting out infected flesh to healthy tissue. If you catch thrush in the early stages and treat the infection, your horse should heal relatively quickly, typically within 7-10 days. Thrush is typically painful and can lead to lameness. ![]() The bacteria strains are extremely aggressive, so it’s imperative to treat the horse’s foot immediately. If the condition is not treated, it can spread and even destroy the frog and cause open sores. ![]() Horses with deep crevices in the sole of their foot are highly susceptible to developing the infection. It grows in the moist, dark areas in and around a horse’s frog. Thrush is a bacterial infection of the frog and heel surface of horses’ feet. A severe case results in swelling of the lower leg with heat in the affected area. Most thrush is minor, and horses fully recover without any problems. You can catch and treat the infection early by having a good daily grooming routine. Apply pressure to the area and watch your horse’s reaction he should flinch, indicating pain if he has an infection. It has thrush if you notice a foul smell and see black discharge from the sole of your horse foot. Remember to prioritize your horse’s well-being and take the necessary steps to ensure its health and safety. In particular, if you notice signs of thrush, such as limping or excessive heat and swelling in the hoof, it’s important to refrain from riding your horse until the issue is resolved.Ĭontinuing to ride your horse in this condition can cause further damage and prolong the healing process. If you notice any issues, it’s crucial to stop and dismount immediately to avoid causing any physical or psychological damage to your horse. ![]() Pay close attention to your horse’s gait and watch for any signs of distress. It’s important to be mindful of the terrain your horse is traveling on and avoid riding over rough or challenging surfaces to prevent potential harm. If you decide to ride your horse, use common sense and don’t push your horse. In other words, if the horse doesn’t limp and has no heat or swelling, he should be ok for easy riding. I consider a minor case is one that is only noticeable because the horse flinches when I put pressure on its foot. If you are unsure, consult your farrier or veterinarian before proceeding. Horses with mild cases can be ridden however, horses with severe cases of bacterial infection in their feet need time to heal and should be given some time off from riding and training. If you own a horse or plan to get one, it’s essential to know the causes, treatment, and steps to prevent thrush. Thrush is a common foot infection in horses. Whether you can ride a horse when it has thrush depends on the severity of the infection. He explained the horse has thrush, and he’s deciding between resting the horse or letting the exercise jockey ride him for his morning training.Ī horse shouldn’t be ridden with severe thrush, but a horse with mild thrush is fine to ride. On our recent visit to the Thoroughbred training center, we saw a trainer we know checking his horse’s foot. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it! Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
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