CONDITIONING/REHABILITATION/TIME

A conditioning/rehabilitation programme will begin by seeking to restore the poorest structures first and may involve a change in living conditions and exercise regime.

A programme will usually begin by first ensuring the hooves are free from infection using a solution called Clean Trax. Clean Trax is a deep, penetrating, non-necrotising hoof cleanser proven effective in eliminating even the toughest infections. Clean Trax's cleansing action purges bacteria, fungi and spores from the deepest hoof layers and crevices, removing dead powdery soft tissue remnants destroyed by fungal activity. Clean Trax may need to be used several times dependent on the level of infection present and be incorporated into the routine of care. There are hundreds of alternatives on the market claiming to rid the hoof of such infections, none of these are recommended by the Institute as being effective. I too have wasted money over the years trying to find something that works. Clean Trax used within a rehabilitation programme has been highly successful and worth every penny!

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

These photos show the stages of Clean Traxing. Two bottles are normally required for one horse.

Therapeutic Sole Mate pads can also be used to restore structures by providing even pressure to encourage growth and may be used on a daily basis for varying lengths of time as indicated by the SoU.

The Spectrum of Usability provides a benchmark and it is important that the rating given to the horse is not exceeded as this can result in trauma leading to abscesses, flare and the over development of compensating structures.

TIME is not only an essential necessity for the horse to allow structures to repair and re-grow, but can be a valuable tool for the owner as well. Often when a horse is rehabilitated and is relieved from discomfort, the partnership bond between horse and owner during this process can improve and reach new and fulfilling levels. It also gives you as the owner the opportunity to observe and get to know your horse and it's hooves in greater detail as they begin to change and rehabilitate.