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
DebbieG
Thank you Dr. Morrison and Lane’s End for the very informative post. Z12 is getting so big! He is such a cutie pie.
@Terry Crow – Great jokes!
Terry Crow
High praise from the president of the Kentucky chapter.
Barbara
Such a big boy now. Thank you for this information. I have known that this is important but never understood completely, now I do. Nice to see Mom and Prince Z. Great day.
Thank you again, hugs and kisses.
Celeste in TX
Oh!! This is so absolutely wonderful!! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photos and to Dr. Morrison for the great description with so many details. These are the kinds of things that simply set the Z Team so far apart from all the rest. Not only are we given this web site to follow along the new life of our Queen, but we are given access to such great information to learn more about horses and the life of a newborn foal as it grows! Thank you so much!!
SHERRY DRISH WV
Terry Crow, funny stuff. I tell funny stories but need to tell them..The Deliver is important. Thank you doc for the info on hooves. It was very informative. You must be proud of all the wonderful horses you have worked on. Zennie your devotion to your colt is precious..I can see how much you love him. That colt is growing fast. I think we need weekly photos of him and Zennie..Sherry
Terry Crow
Sherry-Thank you. As to how good I am when I actually deliver these jokes, you would have to ask some of the dumplings who have been with me at the track. It is a lot easier posting them than telling them.
Farrin
I was soooo glad to see this article and pictures. I was just thinking how much I missed Zenyatta’s daily updates.
Thank you and please keep news of Zenyatta coming. We miss her.
Louise Castello
Aww!!!I love how mom is watching him like a hawk. Such a good mommy! He’s getting so big! Thanks for all this info.
Terri Bey
I just LOVE the big photo on top. Zenyatta’s expression is great. She is like “that’s my kid. You so better take care of him.” LOL They both look fantastic. :) LOVE IT
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Thank you so much Dr. Morrison for the wonderful informatiion.
@Sue Fredrick
@Judy Berube, I know you both are not going to believe this but I have done a big 90 degree angle u turn on my Derby pick. I know you all know how I love Indy and his offspring. But I have just gotten so excited about another horse. Its Daddy Long Legs. I know, I don’t know if he can win. But I went in looking at his pedigree and Oh wow. Scat Daddy his sire, Johanesburg, Hennesy Storm Cat . Terlingua Storm Cats mom and we all know who her Dad is. (Secretariat) Daddy Long legs reminds me of Secretariat and he does have a lot o speed. I was looking at an old picture of Hennesy and Oh what a beauty. Anyway I am just so excited about see Daddy Long Legs run. Win or not. Whenever I look at Daddy Long Legs in the face, I don’t know there’s just ad Aura in that pretty face. reminds me of you know who. . If any of you have time go back and look at Hennesy. Worth the look and remembrace. I am excited about the Derby can you tell.
signofthetimes
Remember Peggy N, Daddy Long Legs ran at Churchill on the dirt in Breeder Cup 2011 and did not do well. Not sure he can transfer the turf talent to the dirt; UAE Derby
track is much more like a turf surface; that is why our dirt horses did not do well.
I am still on Take Charge Indy band wagon, also like Dullihan; also Bodemiester with Mike
Smith aboard is going to be a tough challenger; he can’t rate, and will his speed go
a mile and a half !!!!!! Bodemeister has a wonderful pedigee.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Sign, I know I do worry about the transfer over to dirt. But didn’t he look great in the UAE Derby. I’m so excited to see him run. again. Didn’t he look like Secretariat coming down that stretch.
@Sue, I know I still love Take Charge Indy too. So many talented horses..
Peggy (N) South Georgia
@Sign, I went in and looked at Bodemeisters pedigree too, OMG, Great Pedigree.
I think I just like Daddy Long Legs very much.
signofthetimes
Oh yes, DLL looked great in UAE Derby and
He has big field experience. There are so many
Good choices. Churchill is an I usual track and he
Did not do well on it last year.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Peggy,
Yes he is neat too. I love so many, Rags, Hansen, El Padrino, Alpha, Bode but my heart will root for TC Indy so his daddy gets a derby horse. With so many running it’s a crap shoot, and luck plays a good part. This year we have so many good ones running I really couldn’t even guess. Hugs
Terry Crow
It would appear that there are more good horses going in the Derby this year than in quite some time. Churchill Downs is a quirky dirt track which not all horses can handle. There are two who have proven themselves over the surface, Hansen and Union Rags, and to a lesser degree, Creative Cause. I like Union Rags to turn the tables on Hansen because of the extra distance.
Max
Terry. I too am going with Rags. There is a real destiny story attached to that horse.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
@Terry and Max , I think it is really going to be a good Derby. To both of you, love your posts.
signofthetimes
What a good baby colt; Lanes End has done an awesome job giving him human handling and hoof handling and cleaning. He looks very relaxed and enjoying his
first of many manicures. Horses with feet and hoof issues are always very trying for
the farrier. Knew that LE was giving top care to their foals as well as broodmares and stallions.
Thanks so much for the article Dr. Morrison, I knew that foals needed special attention to their hooves so their legs and conformation would grow out well. Was not sure of
the process. Also wondered about those hooves inside “MAMA” uterus and why they did not cause perforation. Very interesting how god prepares all creatures !!!!!
THANKS SO MUCH LANE’S END; WHAT A BIG BOY !!!!!
jason landers farrier
Very good info on yearlings importance to trim properly I thank you Dr. Morrison
maryann lane
Thank you so much Lane’s End for sharing Prince Z’s first “pedicure” Mama Z looks real proud of her Big Boy!
We are always thankful for the great care and treatment of Queen Zenyatta and Z12. TOO CUTE!!!
Thank you Dr MOrrison for a great explanation of this important process for the foals and for their Moms’s Please say “hi” to Tasty Temptation and TT12
Big Hugs to ALL
QueenZenyatta
What a gorgeous colt you are, Little Z!
Already much better behaved than my own.. two thumbs up!
Peg
Zee is overseeing everything done to her baby. This is what a good mother does.
Alene
HI ZENNY. I`M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU. YOU HAVE A VERY HANDSOME YOUNG LAD. HE LOOKS LIKE YOU AND THOSE EARS ARE EXACTLY THE ZENYATTA EAR. YOU BOTH LOOK GREAT. I SURE DO MISS YOUR DIARY`S BUT I`LL TAKE WHAT I CAN GET. MOMMY WAS WATCHING HER SON QUITE CLOSELY AS THE VET WAS WITH HIM. GOOD MOM ZENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WELL, LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH. STAY WELL AND HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU LANES END. ALSO A QUICK NOTE. GOOD LUCK TO BODEMEISTER AND MIKE SMITH. I DEFINATELY THINK WE HAVE OUR DERBY WINNER AND MAYBE EVEN MORE….LOTS OF BIG HUGS AND KISSES…ALENE
Celeste/Massachusetts
Thank you so much. It is great to see more pictures of Zenyatta and the baby. He is surely looking more mature since the last pictures. I cannot wait to hear what they name him. Maybe that will be in the next update!!!
They both look fantastic. Zenyatta is surely a wonderful mom.
SunnyBoyd
Well, how nice to see an up-date on Zee’s Wee one,
Thank you, Dr. Morrison.
Are the Wee one’s hooves perfect? Can you see athg crooked anywhere?
I must say, his legs look very well proportioned and strong! :)
Racers legs, baby.
Thanks for the up-date, Team Z
Judy Idriss
Loved the photos of Baby Z & Mom! He is such a looker & so well behaved. Also found the information regarding hoof care in foals very informative.
Thank You, Lane’s End for the update & the wonderful care you give our Queen & her Prince.
Karen in Indiana
He has grown so much! And those ears – just like his momma’s. He handled that trimming very well and Zenyatta did, too. So wonderful seeing her tower over everyone watching what is going on. Beautiful!
JeanneO
Thanks for the photos and the very interesting information. I love reading all of the ‘behind the scenes’ postings.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
It’s been a great day here on the blog today. It is wonderful to welcome so many new Dumplings to the fun.
Good night, recious Z. You and Baby Z. are the darlings of our hearts. Love you always. Nighty-night.
Maggie
Love It, Love it, Love it. Just to see Zenyatta watching over baby Z, making sure he’s doing ok is such a moment in motherhood. Baby Z has big ears…shhhh don’t tell him. Love it.
Linda Hoke
Aww. Lookit Baby Z’s ear go up as he approaches the farrier! By now, he’s had his feet handled regularly so this is “just one more thing”. My own colt grew quickly and his cannon bones became a bit “offset” to the outside, as my farrier pointed out. A good farrier is so important to a young horse living a domesticated life. Thank you for the lovely update on Zenyatta and her fabulous colt.
JAG / L♥VE Auntie Judy / So. CA
WOW! Look at you Prince! ♥ You are getting to be one Tall Dude! :-)
You sure got your Mommy’s ears ~ the better to hear those horses you’ll be racing against!
I miss Mommy Zen, but I’m so happy to see how she LOVES YOU and Motherhood – TOO CUTE! It truly agrees with her XOXOXO
Love you always and forever,
Auntie Judy (getting mushy seeing the two of you!) ♥
p.s. Hopefully, we will get some reports from visits by YOUR John & Dottie (God parents); Uncle Mario & Carmen; and Uncle Mikey, too.
Cerb
Thanks for all the great info. – hugs to Z and baby Z :)
JAG / L♥VE Auntie Judy / So. CA
p.s. Black Caviar aims for 20-straight wins
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8452646
God bless her and keep her safe… ♥
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by L♥ve!
Thank you Judy, I hope so too!
Elena Erdman
Oh Queen Z. Your beautiful prince is getting so tall, how much fun you must be having with him. I love it.
helene from Middletown, Ohio
Love, love, and more love to Queen Zenny and Prince. What a handsome boy he is, and so well mannered. What else would we expect from the incredible Zenyatta? Nothing but the best for our two darlings. Thank yous all around for keeping us up to date. Kudos, once again, to the incredible Lane’s End operation, tip top facility. Peppermint kisses, chucks, and nose nuzzles, h+++
Candi E. Carter
wow what a handsome boy,I can’t believe his get big,and look at those long legs,gonna be like the mama. There both soooooooo cute.I appreciated all the photos they are all wonderful and funtastic, thanks again.
christine
Thank you for that fascinating information, Scott. I never realized how important trimming a foal’s hoof was. I am so happy our baby is getting such excellent care. I noticed Our Queen keeping a sharp eye out! lol!
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by Lve!
Zenny and your little l♥ve licks – here is some video of the ON TRACK TO BEAT CANCER from last year at Santa Anita. I hope you enjoy seeing your John and Dottie. No one will ever forget you girl! You are mentioned on the video as THE QUEEN! NO DUH!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uudNIG1JG4
Jane (southern California)
See you Sunday Karen!
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by!
You got it Jane!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Love your video, especially the final shot showing Dottie and John walking off hand in hand –too cute! See you Sunday!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for sharing another very moving experience with us Karen! Looks like a good time was had by all for a very important cause. I love how all of the walkers entered the track just like the horses do!
Sandy
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, Karen, for the great video! Must have been a wonderful day.
nancy in nj
oh, karen, what a wonderful video. pretty inspirational! thanks for showing it to us.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Karen: Real nice video. Thanks for sharing.