Horses, just like any other animal, also do sustain dirt from time to time. They hence have to be cleaned to prevent the germs from spilling over and possibly rendering them too sick. To clean them well, you have to adhere to some tips and make use of some cleaning tools.
Horse Hoof Cleaning Tips
Tip I: Protect the hooves of your horses during hauling
Your first and foremost priority should be to protect the hooves of your horses during hauling. This you do principally by covering the hooves and the heels. The material you use has to be waterproof and sturdy enough to prevent any possibilities of tipping off.
Tip II: Avoid the deep and muddy footing
Preventing the dirt from arising is the first and foremost step you ought to take. In particular, you should avoid the deep and muddy footing. Standing in the mud for too long may also give rise to scratches and even lameness. If you have to then use a hard shoe.
Tip III: Clean and disinfect the stable
You should also clean and disinfect the stable every quite often. The health, state, and stature of the stable all count towards the overall good health of the horse overall. Use the latest disinfectants to do the job as they are generally potent enough to eliminate all germs.
Tip IV: Use the right cleaning tools
Disinfecting the stable is a task you can only do well if you employ the right tools for the job. It is hence in your best interest to carry out extensive research to that end. We ask that you approach the right horse store to be able to know how to go about this.
Tip V: Follow the right channels and formula
You also have to follow the right channels and formulas to accomplish the tasks. Doing things haphazardly may not yield the outcomes you badly desire to have. This calls for you to familiarize yourself with the prevailing best practices.
B. Horse Hoof Cleaning Tools
Brush
You will need a brush to scrape off the hardened dirt and other debris. The brush you employ no doubt has to be gentle yet still strong enough to get rid of all the dirt we have mentioned. Elderly horses do sustain worse dirt and stains. They hence require stronger brushes to see them through.
Soap/Disinfectants
Brushes work hand in hand with the soap and the disinfectants. It is these soaps and disinfectants that kill the germs to prevent the same from causing sicknesses and other forms of illnesses. You should be sure to match the disinfectant in question with the kind of menace you are trying to combat.
Dry Cloth
A dry cloth comes in after you have already cleaned the hooves. It plays the role of eliminating excess water and leaving the washed area dry and clean all the while. This piece of cloth has to be exceedingly clean to prevent the possibility of inflicting the horse with further diseases.
Water
Needless to say, you will have to use water extensively throughout the cleaning process. The water is the one that mixes the disinfectants and takes them wherever they have to be. Insist on only clean and germ-free water. You do not want to aggravate the situation by supplying germs to the hooves.
Perfumes
At the conclusion of the cleaning process, you have to apply some perfumes to add some fragrance to the feet. It is important to use only those perfumes that are certified for use in the horses. Be sparing in your use of these perfumes. Overdoing things may be disastrous to you.
Conclusion
Now you know the tools to use and the tips to adhere to while cleaning the hooves of your horses, right? With that knowledge, we now hope that you can and will surely do a good job on your end. What are you waiting for? Move ahead with haste to do just that!