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
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I DO love Lava Man! What a guy!
Fascinating Story about Bend Or. I printed this up to read to our guy, who is one of his descendants. But he’s more interested in grazing……..
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Too cute!
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by!
Oohh bummer! El Vino finished 7th in his race today at Sunray Park – New Mexico.
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Hi Karen – You reported just as I was going to post El Vino’s placing 7th. Info from my Equibase account. Yes, we Z-sters are keeping an eye on how he is doing. He was such a great buddy to our Z.
Yeah to Blingo and Mike and Blu Jon. Great racing.
signofthetimes
El Vino may need a second career as a Hunter Jumper;
He was a good work mate to Zenny but she intimidated him and I am
sure affected his competative spirit. Another horse career he would only
be competing against himself.
Keta
Here is a video of Blingo & Mike Smith winning
The Blood-Horse tweeted
WATCH REPLAY: RT @BH_RaceResults:
Blingo (Artie Schiller – Wassifa (GB)) wins the La Puente Stakes
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/SA/2012/4/20/7?utm_source=twitter
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Keta – thank you for the replay and if anyone looked at the # 2 Horse, Vibrato Jazz, please note who owns him – Herb Alpert – I’m sure a good friend of the Moss’s as they are business partners, right? A nice competition between horses and owners…
Vibrato Jazz trained by John Sadler. The information is on the left of the “replay” Enjoy and thanks again Keta.
A & M Music and horses!!!!! Great combination….
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Very observant, Delrene! You are so right!
Sue Fl CPRC
Thank you I was just going to ask if anyone had this link.
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
A hopefully accurate article re: Sale of Calumet Farm rumors from Bloodhorse.
…http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69089/rumored-calumet-farm-sale-still-unconfirmed
Terry Crow
Thanks for the link. This story could have been summed up in four words-Nothing new to report.
Marshall (NC broad)
Zenyatta and Baby Z,
Hope you have a positively wonderful weekend and enjoy it with your lovely paddock-mates!
Thanks to all our friends on this site for their extremely interesting posts and for the links to so many of our equine favorites! How very fortunate we are to be able to visit with Z’s connections including the LE Team, too.
Hope all Z-dumplings and their friends have a delightful weekend! I always look forward to hearing from each of you. Love, prayers and lots of big hugs to all — especially to those struggling with rough patches. All the Best!
JSmith SO CAL
On Track To Beat Cancer – thank you to those of you who have donated via our Friends of Zenyatta link. Just want you to know, if you donated in honor of someone, or, you mentioned you are a cancer survivor, we will be wearing those names on the walk down the track. We’ll post photo’s next week. Here is the link again if anyone else wants to donate, your $ goes to City Of Hope Cancer Research, & you will get a receipt. Saturday is the last day to donate for this particular event. If you are in So Cal (Terry Crow with pointed shoes and a pogo stick) please join us, the walk begins after the last race at Santa Anita on Sunday. How will you find us? Look for Z gear and pink & teal. You have to donate $10. to do the walk, and can pay on line (don’t forget to print & take your receipt) or pay at the gate on Sunday. We picked the name Friends of Zenyatta for our walking team as Z is such an inspiration when it comes to raising $ for charity. We thought, if Z can raise millions, surely we can raise a couple of hundred. When you click on the link, it gives details of the event, then scroll down to Team Leaderboard, and click on the Donate square in Friends of Zenyatta (we’ve slipped down to 4th place in the fundraising stakes). We’ll let you know how it was next week. http://www.crowdrise.com/ontracktobeatcancer
The Kennedys in San Diego
BRAVO, BLINGO AND BLU JON! So sorry to hear that El Vino finished 7th. When we visited Barn 55 last Sunday, we could not help but feel a little more of the Z Era/History had left. Some in the barn expressed similar feelings. He was such a great workmate for Zenyatta. I will never forget seeing him after he was gelded. They placed him in a stall near John’s office for observation. He loved that stall — he could see all the activity. His head was constantly hanging out, enjoying it all.
The Kennedys in San Diego
That was El Vino’s second race in two weeks.
sharon in seattle
Kennedys – you’re keeping an eye on El Vino for us, right? I’d hate to think of him not being in a good place. THANK YOU!
sharon in seattle
uh oh , just read that El Vino is in New Mexico – never mind, sorry : (
The Kennedys in San Diego
Yes, El Vino raced in New Mexico — he was claimed two weeks ago and left Barn 55 at that time.
signofthetimes
Van Belvoir claimed him for $40,000; does he have connections in New Mexico;
what level did he run at ???
Marilu V
The Kennedys – EL VINO
Hello and thanks for the information. It’s sad he is no longer at Barn 55. I am sure John and the rest at the Barn miss him. He and Zenny looked good together. I hope he is in good hands and will be happy in his new home.
Thanks again, Marilu
signofthetimes
El Vino
Looks like Van Belvoir does not own him anymore; or is this one of his connections
in NM ???
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=7747860®istry=T
Keta
Here is what I was able to find on El Vino
From: The Daily Times Farmington, NM
Another new shooter to consider in the Inaugural may be the railsitter, El Vino, for owner/trainer David Wolochuk.
Shipping in from Santa Anita, where he most recently ran third as the 17-to-10 favorite on the turf, El Vino was claimed out of that start and gets the services of Ry Eikelberry.
El Vino has been made the 4-1 second choice on the morning line and will likely be doing his best running down the lane.
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_20439431/spirit-may-be-tough-bring-down-inaugural-at
Keta
Racing Post tweeted
Frankel’s full brother Noble Mission scores impressively in Newbury maiden
– more to follow at http://www.racingpost.com
Max
Keta. This is very interesting. I love his hood. If you can find a video of the race, I would love to see it. Maybe some of the Z in England would be able to find one?
Max
Keta. I found this video of Noble Mission’s win.
http://horses.sportinglife.com/Video/Racing/
Keta
Reveron out of the Kentucky Derby!
Warren Eves tweeted
Reveron became the 12th defection from Ky Dby race when injured in CRC work. Secret Circle was declared April 19th.
Ray Paulick also tweeted
#FloridaDerby runnerup Reveron out of #KyDerby consideration because of leg injury diagnosed after workout today at @CalderRacing
Keta note: FYI-it is raining at Keeneland today Sat. April 21st
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You may have seen this before from 05/19/2010, but it was new to me, “Zeta the mare survives being shot by a crossbow thanks to four horsey friends who licked the wound clean”: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1279398/Life-horse-Zeta-shot-crossbow-saved-fellow-steeds.html#ixzz1shXLiYqr
Max
Vicki B. I had not seen this before either. It is a wonderful story, like Champ rescuing the drowning filly. These horses are as heroic. They saved the mare. Thank you for this link.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Great story. Thank you. This site is so special.
Anne from Paramount, CA
@All Dumplings, inclusive of our QUEEN and her PRINCELY colt of course!
@Kennedys: Really enjoyed your description of your Ebby visit! Loved that she, too, is into hair styling, LOL. When are you going to Europe? Have a wonderful and safe trip!
Also, thanks for your personal memory of American Bandstand.
@Keta: thanks for the link to Rachel and her foal. Nice!
@ Karen Gogue, JSmith, Judy Berube, Terry Crow, et al: Rod visited Rightful Image yesterday, WITHOUT ME ( GASP :-) But then he had to fight that Friday afternoon traffic later. So there–no carpool lane alone.). Mike M wasn’t there (about 11am) but one of the grooms told Rod that Rightful had a one quarter mile work earlier in week. Finally, a little forward movement, which is what it should be for a race horse, right? Soon it will be a year since he has raced. Hope he hasn’t forgotten how and that his ankle (for lack of another word) issues are resolved. Will keep everyone posted! P.S. Am not privy to Caracatado’s plans. Except for eating carrots and hay he remains secretive.. LOL.
JSmith SO CAL
Anne, u r tooooooo cute. Will try to catch up with you 2moro.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Love your post! See you tomorrow?
Terry Crow
In the case of the traffic, Rod was obviously the victim of karma.
Terry Crow
A horse owner was getting pretty mad about his6 year old horse which had run in55 races and never finished in the money. He visited the horse in the walking ring before his race and told him “I’m tired of spending money on you. If you do not at least finish in the money this time, I am selling you to a dairy farm.” The horses loaded into the gate and took off. The horse in question ran about 50 yards and stopped and took a nap. The jockey did everything to get him going, including using the whip. The horse looked at him and said “Use that whip on yourself. I need my sleep because I have to get up at 3:00 in the morning to deliver the milk.” Some rednecks.–You might be a redneck if you have ever had a rifle at your back at a wedding. You might be a redneck if you gave your best friend a carton of cigarttes as a wedding gift. You might be a redneck if you have a “church” cap. You might be a redneck if you have a Bud Light pool table light hanging over your dining room table. You might be a redneck if you stole a neighborhood watch sign to put in your yard. You might be a redneck if you know which leaf is best to use after you run out of toilet paper. You might be a redneck if you played the banjo in your high school band.
Max
Terry. These talking horse jokes are getting better and better. Love it.
Darlene Daniels
Very good Terry. Good Job.
Marty R / Colorado
Terry, I’m really enjoying the talking horse and other talking animal jokes. And, of course the red neck jokes, too. Humor is always good!!
signofthetimes
Great horse joke, TC
Top knotch redneck jokes, too
Terry Crow
@max, Darlene, Marty and sign-Thank you. @max-It is noted that you are not yet a member of the club.
Darlene Daniels
@Karen Gogue and all Z Dumplings going to the cancer walk at SA tomorrow, I hope you all have safe travels, beautiful weather and a very successful event. Wish I could be there, but I will be there in spirit. Love to all.
Marty R / Colorado
Darlene,
You’ve said exactly what I’m thinking. Dumplings, stay hydrated, protected from the sun and wear good walking shoes. Ok, I’ll stop talking like a mom, you all know what to do. Have a great time tomorrow. Marty R
Darlene Daniels
Marty,
You know what they say, “great minds think a like” LOL. Have a wonderful weekend.
signofthetimes
Have a great walk at the great race place tomorrow,
Z Dumplings. !!!!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Darlene Daniels and those dumplings walking for cancer on behalf of Friends of Zenyatta; I wish I really could take part!! I did make a donation. Hope you all enjoy yourselves and wear comfortable shoes!! I can not wait to hear how the event went and how you all did.
sue and tony
We’re back from a weeks vacation. We love the twitter pic of our very flexible little prince. He is TOO CUTE!
suew/Va
Zenny, your little one is a cutie doing those exercises. Are you teaching him dance steps yet?
Terry Crow
Everyone seems to be enjoying the horse jokes so here is another old chestnut that I reworked to fit the genre. The horse doesn’t talk, but I think you’ll like it. In its original form, it is one of my favorites. There had been a rash of burglaries in the neighborhood. Just before she went to work, the wife called the husband into the front room. “listen you worthless worm, I want you to go down to the pet store and buy a guard dog so that we will be safe from these crimes. I expect results by this afternoon.” With that, she left. The husband then took a trip to the local pet shop and explained to the clerk what he was after. “Well, I don’t have any guard dogs at the moment but if you have a large yard I have just the thing you need,” said the clerk. The clerk then lead the man to the area behind the store where there was a horse grazing. “‘This is the ticket,” the clerk said. “I don’t know,” the man said. “He doesn’t look much like a deterrent to a burglar.” “You don’t understand,” the clerk said. “This horse knows karate.” “You must be pulling my leg,” the man said. “Can you give me a demonstration?” “OK”, the clerk said. The clerk then turned and faced the horse. “Karate the hitching post,” the clerk said. In three seconds the horse had gone into action and reduced the hitching post to kindling. “That’s amazing,” the man said. “Can you give me one more sample of his abilities?” The clerk then turned to face the horse and said “Karate the shed.” Same result with it taking about five seconds this time. “I’ll take him,” the man said. “There is one caveat,” the clerk said. You have to look directly at him when you give him the karate command. Also, once he learns who his masters are he will not hurt them.” The man lead the horse home and put him in the back yard. When the wife came home from work that evening she asked the man if he had obtained the watch dog. “Even better,” he said and led the wife into the back yard where she saw the horse. “You idiot,” she screamed. “I send you out out get a watch dog and you come back with this bag of bones.” “You don’t understand,” the husband said. “This horse knows karate.” The wife then turned and faced the horse. ‘karate my butt,” she said. Today’s rednecks. You might be a redneck if you brought a date to your wedding. You might be a redneck if the same pair of boots have been in your family for five generations because they’re only 20 years old. You might be a redneck if any of your hobbies involve a dog and a lantern. You might be a redneck if you do not know anyone who makes a five figure salary. You might be a redneck if you clean your house with a water hose. You might be a redneck if you and your friends argue about which jail has the best food.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Terry! You never fail us with your jokes!! ha ha I’ve been trying to catch up. I also appreciate all your typing time. I hope you are not a two finger key guy!! ha
You know, I found in the very bottom of a dresser drawer a couple items at least 25 plus yrs old, but they are not in style. (they probably came back in style, then went back out with out me knowing.) I wish I was not a saver of things!! ha ha
Terry Crow
Sally-Actually I use one finger. When I used to actually “tell” these jokes, I sometimes received one finger in return. People are so sensitive.
signofthetimes
TC, great horse joke, wonder what the outcome
Was for the guys wife, guess it will be our imagination.
Terry Crow
Very perceptive of you, sign. I have my own visual image of the “end” result.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Terry, I started laughing at “listen you worthless worm,” and had to calm down in order to even read the rest of the joke. Thanks.
By the way, I did start working on another Redneck Relatives installment, but haven’t got the 3rd part cleaned up enough yet, for publication, it will take more time and inspiration.
Terry Crow
I am like the guy with the bottle of Heinz catsup. Anticipation.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Terry Crow–love the jokes. I just realized I have some clothes older than many who post here! Guess that makes me a redneck par excellence!
Terry Crow
You and I are definitely kindred spirits.
Marty R / Colorado
Oh, dear. Part of me is saying I should be indignant and the other part can’t stop laughing.
I did use the hose on the house yesterday….. but it was on the outside. A large bird left it’s calling card on the siding. T E R R I B L E !!
Terry Crow
It was probably a cardinal. They are rednecks, you know.
Marty R / Colorado
Terry, If there was a cardinal in Colorado, I would turn it into a pet. I have seen blue jays, though. Beautiful birds, but NOT nice.
Terry Crow
Doesn’t the St. Louis team come to play the Rockies on occasion?
Marty R / Colorado
You know, I couldn’t say. I don’t follow baseball. But, that would be far too many cardinals to try to tame.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Awwww Marty . . . you miss “our bird” I gave a beanbag version to a small friend who was relocating to Idaho once (and she sent me one of her “new” state bird – blue bird, not blue jay :-) And cardinals are NOT rednecks Terry Crow!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
ARRRRRGH! Beanie Baby (not beanbag!!!). Why do you always see these things just as you hit the submit button??????
Terry Crow
I thought just about all of the body of a cardinal was red.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
Ann
Terry,
By chance do you have a calender or familiar w/ the Back Forty by Lex Graham?
Some fun stuff there. Check it out.
Terry Crow
I will. Thanks for the tip.
Debbie G/Kentucky
Great jokes, Terry. I don’t have any horse jokes, but I’ve got a dog joke that’s pretty funny. A woman was leaving a 7-11 store with her morning coffee when she noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A long black hearse was followed by a second hearse about 50 feet behind. Behind the second hearse was a solitary woman walking a pit bull dog on a leash. Behind her were at least 200 women, walking single file. The woman couldn’t stand the curiosity. She respectfully approached the woman walking the dog and said “I am so sorry for your loss, and I know now is a bad time to disturb you, but I’ve never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?”
The woman replied, “Well, that first hearse is for my husband.”
“What happened to him?”
The woman replied, “My dog attacked and killed him.”
She inquired further, “Well who’s in the second hearse?”
“His mistress. She tried to help my husband. Then the dog turned on her.”
A poignant and thoughtful moment of silence passes between the two women.
“Can I borrow the dog?”
She replied, “Get in line.”
Marty R / Colorado
Debbie, That’s a good one for sure. I couldn’t figure out where that was going. Very funny.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
ha ha, there have been plenty of times for sure that I could have borrowed that dog!!ha ha
Terry Crow
What are you trying to say?
Terry Crow
Debbie-You may not think you know any horse jokes but you could have easily substituted a horse for the dog. Great joke. You should share more with us.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I like it, Debbie G, that’s a new one! Thanks.
suew/Va
Have you seen the latest twitter pic of Zenny and little Z? It’s just “TOO CUTE”.
A huge thank you to LE for continuing to share these priceless pics with us.
tony
I just saw that latest picture. Little Z is growing like a weed! He sure looks like he’s enjoying the day with his mom.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Here is the link to the latest picture of Mom and little guy (well, not so little) tweeted today. The caption is really cute:
http://twitter.com/#!/TeamZenyatta/status/194178356219084800/photo/1
Marty R / Colorado
Sandy,
Thanks for the link. This is almost like having our own foal to watch grow and progress. Zenny looks like she’s enjoying that grass. Her little guy’s coat is looking sleeker, not so baby fuzzy. And, he’s building up some muscles.
Would love to see some video of them romping in the paddock. I do truly like seeing the photos, though.
Marty
The Kennedys in San Diego
Never see enough photos of The Queen and her little Prince. Thanks for posting it.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Sandy, thank you so much for the latest pic on our two loves. I welcome heads up to these things!!!!
signofthetimes
He is so big already, love that little foal tail.
sharon in seattle
I wonder if Zenyatta is thinking “my gosh, I didn’t know they got this big, this fast!!”
The Kennedys in San Diego
For all Lava Man fans, neglected to mention that I confirmed with the barn that Lava Man indeed has periods of free time to roam the barn on his own. In addition to visiting the grain barrels and helping himself to oats, he stops to visit other horses in the O’Neill barn.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
The Kennedys; I would love to be present to see Lava Man doing this!! He must have earned respect and trust there for sure.
signofthetimes
How very funny, hope he does not FOUNDER
From the extra grain.
Terry Crow
Doug O’Neill has indicated that Lava Man will be going to the Derby to accompany I’LL Have Another.
sharon in seattle
Lava Man – the best!!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@All horsemen and fans, Steve Haskin (on the most recent edition of Blood-Horse’s “And They’re Off”) commented that some horses are wary of greys and indeed don’t want to go onto the track when a grey is working/galloping. I had never heard this before. Comments invited. I do recall reading that Seattle Slew loved grey mares and was ecstatic on encountering one in the breeding shed.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Here is the link — comment at 13:20.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/9837617C-7692-4B50-BBB7-54DB620B38F1?section=and-theyre-off
Marty R / Colorado
@ The Kennedys – I thoroughly enjoyed this, very interesting and food for thought about a variety of things. Thanks so much for the link. Marty R.
SunnyBoyd
@ Sandy Northeast Ohio
thanks for posting the new picture of Mom & her Wee one
:)
The Kennedys in San Diego
Have not heard of this filly and her fascinating story before.
http://www.drf.com/news/aqueduct-filly-rescued-abuse-makes-it-track-only-scratch-gate
Max
I watched this event today on tv today. It was lucky for her that she was okay after what happened at the gate. The track was also really wet and muddy so that it was probably just as well that she did not run after all. Good luck to her for future races. It is an amazing story of survival.
Marshall (NC broad)
@Debbie G.,
Great joke about the woman and the pitbull at the funeral!! Thanks! LOL
@Terry Crow,
Love the joke about the Karate horse! Thanks for the redneck jokes, too. You
really know how to leave us laughing! Keep ’em coming!!
Goodnight all and have a wonderful week!
Terry Crow
High praise from the president of the North Carolina chapter.