It’s that time! Baby Z just had his feet trimmed for the first time. Dr. Scott Morrison is the farrier that trims all foals and yearlings at Lane’s End. He is a veterinarian who specializes in podiatry, and he was kind enough to write this piece explaining the importance of foot management in young horses. Thank you Dr. Morrison!
-Team Z
The Horses foot provides several functions such as support, shock absorption, traction and proprioception (ability to feel the ground and negotiate limb position). In the foal however the foot also plays an important role in limb development.
At birth the hoof is covered with a soft, feathery unpigmented tissue called the perinychium. This tissue forms a soft covering to prevent the hard hoof capsule from piercing or damaging the mares’ reproductive tract during gestation and the birthing process. This tissue quickly dries out and is worn away during the first couple days after birth.
The newborn hoof is fairly soft and pliable compared to a mature horses hoof. But over the first month it dehydrates and matures to more closely resemble that of an adult horses hoof. The newborn hoof is also perfectly symmetrical at birth. Over time the hoof changes shape in response to the forces above. Limb conformation dictates the shape of the developing hoof. The foal’s hoof goes through various shape changes during the first several months of age. These shape changes closely follow changes in limb conformation and posture.
The hoof is designed to serve as a protective barrier for internal sensitive structures as well as provide a base of support and leverage for proper bone, tendon and ligament development. Therefore the shape and integrity of the hoof can have a significant effect on the development of these structures. The relationship between limb conformation and hoof shape plays an integral role in the conformational development of the growing horse. Therefore, maintaining a healthy hoof and intervening with special foot management when necessary, is important in the development of the young horse’s limb.
Routine, proper trimming is the most important element of the foal foot management program. Maintaining a healthy balanced foot is the goal. Simply preventing a foot from breaking up or becoming misshapen or distorted will go a long way in promoting proper limb development. However some foals, in spite of routine proper hoof trimming will have a tendency to develop a crooked limb. In these instances shoes or extensions can be used to provide additional support and influence the forces on the growth plates and encourage straightening of the limb.
The first trim is usually done at one month of age. But the foal’s feet should be handled and cleaned daily; this will make the first experience with the farrier less stressful. Typically trimming at 3-4 week intervals is sufficient for most foals. If there is a tendency for the limb to grow crooked or with an angular deformity, the hoof may need to be trimmed more often to prevent the hoof from developing a distortion or adverse shape in response to the abnormal forces, often a 2 week trim schedule is then recommended. Various shoes can be used to help a hoof support various developmental abnormalities such as: club foot syndrome (contractures), weak tendons (laxity) and angular deformities.
-Scott E Morrison, DVM
Bernadette Norwood
Thank you Dr. Morrison for your very informative article!! I love the expression on Zenyatta’s face, one of interest and TRUST! Once again, Thanks TEAM Z.
tess
WOW! That’s some ears to grow into! Looks good. That 2nd picture they were watching how he walks to see if he needs corrective trimming/ shoeing.
Jennifer
Thank you so much for the time that was taken to write this for all of Zenyatta’s loving fans. We so appreciate it!
Maureen From Santa Barbara, CA
Thank you Z Team for this wonderful update. It is great to be able to keep up with things little Z12 is experiencing. He is surely growing rapidly and my, my those wonderful ears are certainly precious. It looks like everyone (horse and humans) is having fun. The article on hoof care should be posted elsewhere since it is extremely informative. These pictures made my day. Thanks again.
Denise Cowman
Awww! Baby Z’s first mani/pedi and he looks like he was such a good boy. Mama Z should be so proud. It looks like she is keeping a watchful eye on it all.
Marian Horton
Zenyatta gets my vote for MOTHER OF THE YEAR! She is so attentive and protective of everything her precious little (???) prince is experiencing. She and baby Z should be among the equine photos of the year in Life, or Bloodhorse, or some suitable magazine. Never get tired of looking at them.
Ann Goodman
That is one smart farrier, thanks for all that great info. I love the photos – mama Z is right there in every one, watching over what they are doing to her precious baby!
william Arnold
I’m so glad that the people involved w/ this site used it’s great popularity to help educate about horses..bravo! Good work team!! Thank you Dr.Morrison.Keep it up.Many owners and their beloved horses suffer because they’re not or miss informed
about the care of their animals.Simple things like too much sugar in there diet can have bad effects on their hooves..and Of course I just love that Zenny hoss and her new foal..
tha pictures are great….xo,B
Lou in TX
Thank you Lane’s End and Dr. Morrison for this very informative article of how the baby horses feet are taken care of at this early age. Team Z you’re the best.
Queen Z looks fabulous as usual and her Prince is adorable. His ears are soooo cute and he is growing up to be just like Mom.
Love you both sooo much.
Lou
Brigid
Thank for the photos, info … and for sharing.
Barb France/Washington State
Thanks for the informative article…I love learning more and more about equine health. So many facets. The pictures of Zenyatta looking on are so precious! He sure is growing up fast!
cindy from seattle
Thank you for the fascinating explanation.
Wow, he really is growing , isn’t he. I love that third picture, can really see the two sets of ears. just plain too cute for words !
Just got back from OAKLAWN, PLUM PRETTY was pretty impressive running down for home, but I could still hear the echo of ZENYATTA’S hooves.
Cristy Binder
He is just too cute. I love the way mom is right there surveying the whole scene.
Alden Caldwell
He’s HUGE! wow has he grown up!!! <3
Cristal Ryder
We were just at Keeneland and drove by Lane’s End and all the other great farms! Wish we could have seen Baby Z
zowie
OMG! Z12 is cute now, but just wait until he grows into those long legs and ears he certainly will be gorgeous! Of course as I’m sure Momma Z would say that photo was “Too Cute” “Blush Blush”!
Barbara
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!! Great photos and a wonderful informative article. I love the way Zenyatta is overseeing the whole process! Boy his legs are long :)
Jill in Jersey
Thanks so much for the interesting article and the new pics! I’m always checking for new pics of Mama and Z12! Too cute!
Janie (in L.A.)
Thank you Team Z – I needed a Zenyatta and baby fix! Those pictures are so sweet and TOO CUTE! Mommy always nearby to reassure her baby boy… He’ll grow into those ears some day but right now they are sooooo precious – just like the rest of him!
Beth Lauxen
What a little hunk he’s become! Good job, Zenyatta. He looks so relaxed and at ease, good job of imprinting him, staff!
Keta
‘America’s Best Racing’ Website Launched
By Blood-Horse Staff
Updated: Monday, April 16, 2012 11:43 AM
The Jockey Club and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association April 16 officially launched the website tied to the “America’s Best Racing” initiative. The web address is followhorseracing.com.
The website had a preliminary launch in early March.
The new site, jointly managed by The Jockey Club and NTRA Communications, includes information about horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, and races; various tools to explore and learn about wagering; and the latest news, videos, and photographs surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup seasons. There are profiles of the top 50 Triple Crown contenders and their connections, features provided by The Blood-Horse, and contributions from more than a dozen of the sport’s leading bloggers and reporters.
Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/68974/americas-best-racing-website-launched#ixzz1sEPgHclF
Terry Crow
Keta-Thanks for the link.
Liz Carlin
Thanks for the great article! Lane’s End, you have a wonderful staff and you sure make sure everyone is well taken of, thank you! Wow, Mama Z, you sure a good mama, making sure he stands quietly to get his feet done, and I am sure you were supervising closely as well. I think you have the perfect baby there, Zenyatta! Hugs and kisses from Tennessee, to both of you.
Dolores
I love his ears! Just like Mom’s! Thanks for the update to all at Lane’s End!!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Thank you Lane’s End, Dr Morrison and Alys for a very educational, beautifully photographed tutorial on the importance of the hoof. I had no idea that the hoof had such a role in the development of the legs. Master Z’s legs look just like Zenny’s and he’s growing so quickly, he doesn’t look like a baby anymore. So cute that Zenny supervised the whole procedure. I wonder what he weighs now that he’s filling out, he’s so handsome.
jeanne from vista
Look at Z12’s forehead star…I think it’s changing. Is it a comet ?!?!??
C. Hahn
Having raised foals this makes me want another one so badly. Conception to 4 months is just the most exciting time!! It is so much fun to watch them be born and then to see how fast they learn and how interested they are in everything around them!!
He looks perfect and I know everyone is taking such great care of him. Wish every foal in the world had this kind of life!! Keep up the good work!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
B♥by 12Z you are adorable!! I L♥ve them earZ!!
Marty R / Colorado
Thank you TeamZ for keeping us up to date on Zenyatta and 12Z. These pictures would speak volumes without any words. Such wonderful care all the way around.
Thanks to Dr. Morrison for this very informative article. I have never been involved in the stages in a foal’s development. This is almost like being there having a hands on experience.
As always, thanks for the pictures!!!
Natasha Olley
Finally!!! I’m a physio and constantly harp on that if children were prescribed suitable footwear to promote good lower limb posture as soon as they are walking there would be far fewer problems with arthritis and other biomechanical issues later in life.
Love that the same principles affect horses!!
Great article
Barbara Wood (Texas)
If only I had had a good farrier work on me as a child, I might not be so arthritic today! Who knew? This is fascinating info.
carol in utah
me too!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Barbara; for me it was those pointy shoes I wore as a teenager while going to dances and dancing all night!!
Terry Crow
Are those shoes recommended for a pogo stick?
Terry Crow
@Darlene Daniels-I posted a response to your concern at the end of the last blog. For those of you who have been clamoring for a talking horse joke, be careful what you wish for. Here it is.–A guy spots a sign in front of a stable which said Talking Horse For Sale, He goes in and the owner tells him that the horse is in stall #10. The guy goes in and sees a black horse just standing there. “You talk?” he asks. “yep,” the horse replies. “So, what’s your story?” the man asks. The horse looks at him and says “Well, I discovered the gift early and I wanted to help the government, so I contacted the CIA. I was interviewed, and in nothing flat they had me jetting from country to country, standing in rooms with spies and world leaders and evasdropping. I was the most valuable spy they ever had. However, the jetting around really tired me out and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger. So, I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible plots and I was awarded a batch of medals. Now, I’m just retired.” The guy was amazed. He went out and asked the owner how much he wanted for the horse. “Ten dollars,” the owner said. The guys says “This horse is amazing. Why on earth would you sell him so cheap?” The owner replied “He’s such a liar. He didn’t do any of that stuff.” Some rednecks to top things off. You might be a redneck if you lost two good friends when you accidentially mixed up a bear trap with a whoopie cushion. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever given your kid an entire package of ex-lax prior to visiting the fake Santa at the mall. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever made your kid a paper hat out of a Playboy centerfold. You might be a redneck if there is no line to your septic tank. You might be a redneck if your sewage system consists of a pipe down a hillside.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Terry! Oh that liar of a horse!! The first redneck joke, ouch, ouch ouch!! just too funny, all of them were!! You gave me some sunshine on this cloudy day. I fell off a pogo stick while with grandkids, but managed still to play kick ball. I brought a lot of laughter to my grandkids falling from this pogo stick With your jokes today, I had a few laughs regardless how I still feel. (Personally, it had to look funny, I laughed while in pain too.)
Terry Crow
Fell of a pogo stick? I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Maybe you and Sue F could have a joust riding pogo sticks.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Terry, don’t feel bad I laughed too. I’m suprised nothings broke!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Sue, I think Sally probably broke her dignity. But good for you, Sally, courageously entertaining your grandkids! I’m afraid I would just break my leg, or worse.
Max
Great horse joke. Keep them coming.
Terry Crow
Max-Glad you liked it. It is one of my favorite talking horse jokes.
Max
Terry. I would like to meet this horse. He is naughty and nice like our Tasty. She rejects her colt and we Z fans still love her. Horses can do no wrong?
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I love it!! (sitting here laughing out loud!! :-) What a naughty horse!
S
Terry Crow
Sandy-Glad you liked it.
signofthetimes
Great horse joke, Terry. Fit in well since it was about horses and Zenyatta used to
talk to us in her diary, however, she always told the truth so she a PRICELESS
horse.
Terry Crow
Good point, sign.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
@Darlene Daniels — ditto, I left you a message at the end of the previous blog, just below Terry’s.
Terry, I do like the talking horse, even if he’s a liar. But I’m still trying to work my way to seeing or imagining the mixup of a bear trap with a whoopie cushion! Accidental or not, that’s a stretch, but we’re talking some serious redneck-ery here, so I guess that’s how it’ll fly!
Terry Crow
I can imagine rednecks doing anything. After all, one of my favorites is about rednecks using a toilet seat as a picture frame. Again, I am laughing with them, not at them. Thanks fore giving me a little bit of poetic license.