Learning to read the hoof is an incredibly important skill for both hoof care professionals and horse owners.

A horse's hooves reveal a lot about what is happening throughout their body and our trimming decisions should treat the horse as a system instead of addressing the hooves in isolation.

In Episode 6 of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we explore how hoof distortions and wear patterns, including high-low hooves, squared off toes, negative palmar/plantar angles, and flare, can provide clues about posture, movement, and compensation.

A horse's landing pattern can reveal a lot about the health and comfort of their feet. In this episode, we explore why a healthy horse should typically land heel first, what toe-first landings may be telling you, and the many factors that can contribute to this important gait change. We also discuss practical steps to identify the underlying cause and support healthier hoof function, because improving hoof landings starts with understanding why they're happening.

In the previous episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, Laminitis Hot Takes Part 1, our hoof care professionals tackled controversial views on diet, trimming protocols, and rehab strategies. In this episode, we continue that discussion, diving deeper into our professionals' opinions on radiographic imaging, dietary management, prognosis after recovery, and why prevention is the true key to success.

Laminitis is one of the most misunderstood (and emotionally charged) conditions in the horse world. In this episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we're diving headfirst into some of the most controversial "hot takes" surrounding laminitis, separating fact from fiction and challenging common assumptions. From defining laminitis vs. founder to unpacking controversial views on diet, trimming, and rehab, we'll dig into what actually matters for recovery.

Studies Referenced:

Asplin, K. E., Sillence, M. N., Pollitt, C. C., & McGowan, C. M. (2007). Induction of laminitis by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia in clinically normal ponies. The Veterinary Journal, 174(3), 530–535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.003

Rahnama, S. et al. (2020). Effects of insulin on IGF-1 receptors in equine lamellar tissue in vitro. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 73, 106530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106530

Valle, E. et al. (2013). Association of the glycoxidative stress marker pentosidine with equine lamintis. The Veterinary Journal, 196(3), 445-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.030

van Eps, A. W., & Pollitt, C. C. (2006). Equine laminitis induced with oligofructose. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(3), 203–208. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776866327

Should horse owners trim their own horses? 👀

In this episode of the Hoof to Horse Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in hoof care. From safety and skill to horse suitability and owner mindset, our instructors break down what actually matters.

This isn't a yes or no conversation, it's about understanding the spectrum, the risks, and the responsibility.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• When owner trimming can work (and when you should seek professional help). • The green flags in both horses and owners. • The biggest mistakes beginners make. • Where to find reliable information to get started.

If you've ever thought, "Could I do this myself?", this episode is for you.

What does it really mean to put the horse first?

In this episode, we're digging into one of the most uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations in hoof care:

Are our performance goals ever coming at the expense of the horse's long-term soundness or well-being?

Hoof protection can be a great tool to help horses regain hoof health and soundness in the rehab process, but it can also mask issues brewing under the surface and keep some horses performing at higher levels than they should be.

Using hoof protection solely to promote performance can have far-reaching consequences for your horse's health. It's important to learn how to ask the right questions about your horse's management so that you can make better decisions to safeguard their soundness, not just in the short term, but for years to come.

True equine stewardship isn't just about what works now, it's about what's right for the horse long-term.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn more about hoof care ethics, the gray areas even hoof care professionals have to navigate, and how to advocate for your horse with confidence.