As SmartPak’s Hoof Health Consultant, Danvers Child, CJF, has tackled your tough questions about hoof care and starred in over a dozen videos to help you take the best care of your horse’s hooves. While we’re thankful for all of the hoof care knowledge that Danvers has given us every day, we’re especially thankful for it during National Farriers Week! If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check out all of Danvers’ hoof health articles and videos below.
Hoof health tips & tricks
It’s not hoof care, it’s horse care
We often hear about the idea of “no hoof, no horse” and the importance of regular hoof care and maintenance. But what constitutes maintenance, and why is it so important? We had Danvers tackle this tough question for us.
Learn more about why “hoof care” is “horse care”
Healthy Hooves 360: Expert hoof care advice from farrier Danvers Child, CJF
In this webinar, Danvers takes a comprehensive look at hoof health, covering everything from hoof dynamics and anatomy, to trimming and shoeing, to hoof growth and maintenance.
Watch the webinar
Smarter hoof care
In this video, Danvers gives us his top hoof care tips, including information on basic hoof care, nutrition, and more!
Check it out
Why is horse hoof maintenance so important?
Danvers talks about and shows you why regular horse hoof care is critical to your horse’s overall health.
Learn more
What does a healthy hoof look like?
Do you know what to look for in a healthy hoof? In this video, Danvers walks us through the things to look for when trying to determine if your horse has healthy hooves.
Watch the video
Hoof health Q&As
Ask the Farrier: Important factors for hoof health
In this blog, Danvers answers the question, “When it comes to healthy hooves, what factor plays the biggest role?” While as a farrier he’d love to claim that it’s all about him, the truth is that healthy hooves result from overall good horsemanship and attendance to a complex web of concerns.
Learn more about the important factors for hoof health
Ask the Farrier: Hoof Circulation Q&A with Danvers Child, CJF
Did you know that healthy circulation plays a key role in your horse’s hoof health? In this article, Danvers talks about the importance of proper circulation and how to promote good circulation in your horse.
Learn more about the importance of healthy circulation
Barefoot or shod: what’s right for YOUR horse?
In this Q&A, Danvers discusses what to take into account when you’re deciding whether your horse should be barefoot or shod.
See what he has to say
Stable Smart Q&A: Winter hoof care with Danvers Child, CJF
In this Q&A, Danvers talks about what horse owners should be aware of in order to take great care of their horses’ hooves as winter approaches.
Find out how to take great care of your horse’s hooves this winter
Hoof care how-tos
How to choose a hoof care professional
Choosing a farrier that is right for you and your horse can be challenging. Danvers is here to offer you some guidance in this video, which has tips on how to sort through the many blacksmiths, horseshoers and barefoot trimmers available, and choose the professional who is the best fit for you and your horse.
Find out how to choose
The safe and smart way to wrap your horse’s hoof
In this helpful tutorial, Danvers provides simple, step-by-step instructions on the best way to wrap a hoof.
Watch the tutorial
The safe and smart way to pack your horse’s hoof
Danvers shows you how to apply hoof packing (like Magic Cushion), how to duct tape your horse’s hoof, what products to use, and how to get your wrap to stay on.
Learn how
The safe and smart way to pick up your horse’s back feet
This video provides step-by-step instructions on the best way to pick up your horse’s hind hooves. It’s full of safety tips and advice on handling your horse’s hooves in a way that’s most comfortable and natural for him.
Watch the video
The safe and smart way to pick up your horse’s front feet
In this tutorial, get simple, step-by-step instructions on the best way to pick up your horse’s front hooves from Danvers.
Check out the video
The safe and smart way to bring your horse’s hoof forward
Danvers demonstrates how to safely and comfortable bring your horse’s feet forward (like your farrier does) to stretch him out and allow you to handle his hooves.
See the tutorial
Hoof condition tutorials
Horse hoof bruising
Danvers talks about the numerous causes of bruising in horse’s feet, whether it be in the hoof wall, the sole, the frog, or in the white line area of the hoof, and explains how to manage hoof bruising.
Learn about hoof bruising
Sore hooves in horses
We asked Danvers to explain some of the causes of sore hooves. Causes can include hoof bruises, a hoof abscess, laminitis, white line disease, and many more. He also explains why it is so important to get your hoof care professionals involved and working together.
Learn more
Hoof cracks in horses
In this video, Danvers covers everything you ever wanted to know about hoof cracks.
Watch the video
Seedy toe in horses
Seedy toe in horses can be a painful and chronic condition. In this hoof health video, Danvers explains the causes, signs, and management of seedy toe.
Learn about seedy toe
Horse toe and quarter cracks
Danvers walks you through how vertical hoof cracks develop, and what your hoof care professional can do to repair or treat the crack.
Check out the video
Thrush: signs and remedies
In this video, Danvers will help you understand what thrush looks like in horses, what causes it, how it’s treated, and any prevention practices you can put in place.
Find out more about thrush
Horse hoof abscesses
Danvers discusses everything you need to know about horse hoof abscesses, from signs to treatment.
Check it out
Navicular problems in horses
Whether you call it navicular disease or navicular syndrome, heel pain and any issues related to the navicular bone are concerning to any horse owner. Danvers explains how you can help support your horse with corrective shoeing and proper management.
Learn about navicular
The anatomy of laminitis in horses
Danvers provides an overview of laminitis and explains why you shouldn’t wait to call your veterinarian and hoof care professional if you suspect your horse is experiencing a laminitic episode, as laminitis can quickly lead to founder concerns.
Watch the overview
White Line Disease
In this video, Danvers explains White Line Disease, which is a fungal infection of the white line (or lamina) on the bottom of the horse’s hoof.
Learn about White Line Disease