Founder – another dreaded word in the horse world. It’s such a preventable disease, and yet, every year, thousands of horses suffer from founder. There can be many causes of founder, and one big one is not enough exercise for the amount of feed they are getting. Many horses founder in the spring, and it’s thought to be from the grass being too rich and too sweet.
Interestingly enough, more horses founder in the fall than in the spring. The reason? When the rain starts to fall again after a dry summer, the grass starts to grow rich and sweet, just like the spring. Many people are aware of the dangers of keeping their horse out on the spring grass too long, but do not recognize that you have to be aware equally as much in the fall.
Of course, restricting your horse’s intake and ensuring they get enough exercise will help prevent founder. When I was living up-country, I had to watch my horses as they were not getting the exercise and certainly getting a lot of pasture grass. At one point, my farrier advised me that my tb, Moka was foundering a little, and to watch fatty boy aka uber brat Nick. I was stunned in regards to Moka – and promptly brought her in off the grass and started exercising her. She had some heat in her feet, so I sprayed some Chapman’s Premium on her. I was amazed at how quickly it brought the heat out of her hoof.
Fortunately, Moka was caught in time, and it was a very mild case of founder in just one hoof. As a result, I’m totally anal about keeping their weight down.
A client of mine had advised me that he hauls horses for a living. He said he was hauling a horse with founder and it went down in the trailer it’s feet were so sore. He heard it go down so he stopped to check on it. He said he used some Chapman’s Premium liniment on it, sprayed it’s hooves, both sole and wall, and he said within minutes the horse was back up and stood all the way to it’s destination.
Although it’s not a cure, if it helps ease the inflammation, pain and swelling and makes them more comfortable – then it’s all good!
Horses – they steal your heart and fill your soul.
Andrea
