The feral horse population of the western United States often comes under fire. Many ranchers feel that the horses take away valuable grazing from their cattle. Laws have even been passed to protect these beautiful animals who are an integral part of our national heritage. Many people are now studying them to see what makes them so hardy and how this information can be used to help domestic horses. The wild mustang hoof is one of the most interesting fields of study so far.
Mustangs are rounded up on a regular basis and distributed to homes throughout the United States. Many people have noticed and commented upon the excellent quality of their hooves when compared to horses born and raised in domestic situation. One of the most important influences is the environment. Many mustangs live in the arid regions of the west. They spend their days moving over very hard rocky ground.
Some horses spend months or even years taking common anti inflammatory drugs. This helps to relieve the pressure caused by inflammation within the sensitive part of their hoof. Delicate tissue called the laminae can become inflamed. Because it is encased between the hoof wall and the inside of the foot there is literally no where for the inflammation to go. The horse may be in so much pain he is hesitant to move. Each year many domestic horses are put down due to complications from this distressing condition.
In contrast the hooves of the feral mustangs are remarkably strong. Much of this can be put down to genetics. Any horse with an inherited weakness will not survive long enough to breed. They will be picked off by the numerous predators that wander the range. Only those horses with very strong feet and tough limbs will make it in the harsh conditions of the western states.
The wall of the horses hooves is key to it staying sound. Horses are grazing animals and are in constant motion. They must walk many miles each day. Weak feet are an immediate obstacle that simply cannot be overcome in their natural habitat. The modern custom of putting shoes on every horse is a big part of why there are so many problems.
The adaptations seen in wild horses can be put to practical use with domesticated animals. Learning how best to distribute weight can really help to ease or even eliminate common foot problems. Keeping horses barefoot is also a good idea. Many owners routinely put shoes on their horses, weather they need them or not. Not only is this very expensive, but it is also the cause of many problems.
Researchers also know that by carrying their weight more evenly over the entire surface of the foot, the mustangs have much better circulation. This in turn creates a much healthier foot that is less prone to cracks and breakage. The application of shoes typically puts more stress on the already thin walls of a domestic horses feet.
As soon as they are rounded up the feral horses are inspected for signs of ill health or disease. In most cases they are found to be very healthy and the handlers are amazed by the excellent condition of the wild mustang hoof. In fact a study of over one thousand eight hundred mustangs revealed not one case of club foot, a surprisingly common condition in domesticated equines.
Mustangs are rounded up on a regular basis and distributed to homes throughout the United States. Many people have noticed and commented upon the excellent quality of their hooves when compared to horses born and raised in domestic situation. One of the most important influences is the environment. Many mustangs live in the arid regions of the west. They spend their days moving over very hard rocky ground.
Some horses spend months or even years taking common anti inflammatory drugs. This helps to relieve the pressure caused by inflammation within the sensitive part of their hoof. Delicate tissue called the laminae can become inflamed. Because it is encased between the hoof wall and the inside of the foot there is literally no where for the inflammation to go. The horse may be in so much pain he is hesitant to move. Each year many domestic horses are put down due to complications from this distressing condition.
In contrast the hooves of the feral mustangs are remarkably strong. Much of this can be put down to genetics. Any horse with an inherited weakness will not survive long enough to breed. They will be picked off by the numerous predators that wander the range. Only those horses with very strong feet and tough limbs will make it in the harsh conditions of the western states.
The wall of the horses hooves is key to it staying sound. Horses are grazing animals and are in constant motion. They must walk many miles each day. Weak feet are an immediate obstacle that simply cannot be overcome in their natural habitat. The modern custom of putting shoes on every horse is a big part of why there are so many problems.
The adaptations seen in wild horses can be put to practical use with domesticated animals. Learning how best to distribute weight can really help to ease or even eliminate common foot problems. Keeping horses barefoot is also a good idea. Many owners routinely put shoes on their horses, weather they need them or not. Not only is this very expensive, but it is also the cause of many problems.
Researchers also know that by carrying their weight more evenly over the entire surface of the foot, the mustangs have much better circulation. This in turn creates a much healthier foot that is less prone to cracks and breakage. The application of shoes typically puts more stress on the already thin walls of a domestic horses feet.
As soon as they are rounded up the feral horses are inspected for signs of ill health or disease. In most cases they are found to be very healthy and the handlers are amazed by the excellent condition of the wild mustang hoof. In fact a study of over one thousand eight hundred mustangs revealed not one case of club foot, a surprisingly common condition in domesticated equines.
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Our official website at www.mitchellplainfarm.com shows pictures of the wild mustang hoof and other beautiful horses. To view the gallery now, go to http://www.mitchellplainfarm.com.
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