There isn’t much in this world that gets a horse person’s heart beating faster than the sight of a mighty beast with big hooves. There are over 350 breeds of horses and ponies in the world, from workhorses to pure companions. Each one is different, with unique traits and abilities. The most common of these are strength, speed, biddability and loyalty.
When a horse rests its head on you it is a sign of affection and trust. They feel comfortable around you and see you as a friend. If you notice a horse nudging you or licking and chewing it is another way they show you their love. They are seeking your attention and want to be close to you.
If a horse is cocking its back leg that is also a sign of affection. They are trying to show you they are ready and willing to be your partner. Horses groom each other in the wild and are eager to do so with you as well. Grooming you is a way to bond and show that they think of you as a friend.
Keeping the hooves in good shape is important to the health of your horse. A healthy hoof allows the horse to flex and move with ease. The hoof also acts as a shock absorber, which can help protect the horse from injuries such as fractures and concussion. Hooves that are not trimmed and balanced properly can lead to poor balance, posture and muscle tone. They can even cause areas of restriction all over the body, including the spine.
The frog of the foot has special sweat glands that allow it to soak up moisture. This is important because if the hoof does not have enough moisture it can break down and become soft. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as thrush and other fungal infections. The frog also plays a crucial role in blood flow to the hoof. A healthy frog helps the horse get oxygen from the ground and sends it back up to the hoof wall with every step. If the frog is unhealthy it can lead to a number of problems, including a lack of oxygen to the hoof wall which leads to thrush and other painful conditions.