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Life at Lane’s End: Time for a Trim

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

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

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

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.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End

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

Reader Interactions

1,240 Comments

  1. / Reply

    My Dear Z Family:

    Barb W. has e-mailed me and told me she has mailed all of your checks to St. Jude in my Russ’s memory. He would be so overwhelmed and touched by your kindness and generosity in his name. Thank you all so very much. I have never known such a caring, loving group of people ever. So appreciate all of you. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      It is so great to see you post here and thank you so much for the link to the pictures. That little gal has thrived under proper care. All her feet are off the ground in that one picture…flying. I hope her future races are good (and dry) ones. Marty R.

      • / Reply

        Dear Marty:

        You’re so welcome. She seems like a really spunky girl and she so tiny and cute. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Terry:

        Thanks. I feel the same way about your jokes and wonderful sense of humor. So uplifting and Russ always enjoyed your posts when I read them to him. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Hi Judy,
      I loved this story! Please give us a heads-up when she next starts! Being from California, the description of this filly reminds me of the great Brown Bess, who recently died at Harris Farms. She was onwed by Suzanne Pashayan and was, I believe, the first Cal Bred to win an Eclipse Award — 1989 — turf. female She was a big horse in a small body and she did big things. She is one of the most beloved Cal Breds in history. Thanks for sharing this. I hope to see Norinrwildestdreams do big things! She has already overcome abuse at the hands of man; hopefully her new owners will give her the chances she needs and take good care of her. j

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      So tickled to see “our best girl” posting again. I always know if there’s a picture out there you will ferret it out. Thanks, she’s a lovely mare. Hugs

  3. / Reply

    Happy Birthday *Noor! He would have been 67 years old today. 62 years ago in the San Juan Capistrano Handicap (1950), *Noor beat the great Citation. The race was the feature race today at Santa Anita, won by Bourbon Bay with Joel Rosario up in a photo finish.

    • / Reply

      I too would like to wish *Noor a Happy Birthday and tip my hat to this wonderous horse who beat two triple crown winners — Assault and Citation — the latter an amazing FOUR times. Happy Birthday big, beautiful black boy. Rest in peace at Old Friends.

        • Terry Crow. Very well said. Every time that I hear anything of Noor, I think of the incredible work which Charlotte and her team did to see him laid properly to rest. I will never forget that wonderful effort by Charlotte Farmer.

  5. / Reply

    Good morning to Zenyatta and the Little Prince. I hope you both are staying dry and not getting snow. So far we are snow free. We love you both, Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO

  6. / Reply

    Awewsome!! I can see the little prince is filling in very nicely! But question what happened to zens diary??????? I miss her! FROM ZENS BIGGEST FAN AMY.

    • / Reply

      Dottie felt she had gone full circle from Zenny being
      A foal, her career as Queen of Racing and to her
      Having a foal. Zenny needed to tend to her new
      Job of rearing her foal and they both hung up
      Her writing hooves, March 13 was the last diary.

  8. / Reply

    In honour of the Immortal Bard’s 448th birthday, some soaring quotes about horses, as only He could pen them:

    When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk: he trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes.
    Henry V

    A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!
    King Richard III (for all those jockeys still hoping for a Derby mount)

    He’s of the colour of the nutmeg. And of the heat of the ginger…. he is pure air and fire; and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in him, but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts him; he is indeed a horse, and all other jades you may call beasts.
    Henry V

    Look, when a painter would surpass the life,
    In limning out a well-proportion’d steed,
    His art with nature’s workmanship at strife,
    As if the dead the living should exceed;
    So did this horse excel a common one,
    In shape, in courage, colour, pace and bone.

    Round-hoof’d, short-jointed, fetlocks shag and long,
    Broad breast, full eye, small head, and nostril wide,
    High crest, short ears, straight legs and passing strong,
    Thin mane, thick tail, broad buttock, tender hide:
    Look, what a horse should have he did not lack,
    Save a proud rider on so proud a back.
    Venus and Adonis

    The strong-neck’d steed, being tied unto a tree,
    Breaketh his rein, and to her straight goes he.
    Imperiously he leaps, he neighs, he bounds,
    And now his woven girths he breaks asunder;
    The bearing earth with his hard hoof he wounds,
    Whose hollow womb resounds like heaven’s thunder;
    The iron bit he crushes ’tween his teeth,
    Controlling what he was controlled with.
    Venus and Adonis

    • / Reply

      Lucky for the Bard that you were not around then. I know you were just quoting him, but methinks that you could have topped him, at least in the horse category. Cynthia, you just don’t visit often enough.

      • / Reply

        Thank you for the very kind words, Terry, but methinks neigh, neigh!
        (You don’t suppose Shakespeare was a closet redneck?)

  9. / Reply

    From: Fillies First A Blog About Horse Racing’s Great Fillies and Mares
    By Valerie Grash Sunday, April 22, 2012
    Dahlia on My Mind
    On Saturday the name Dahlia seemed to be everywhere. First, at Pimlico, there was the grassy 1-mile Dahlia Stakes, won by recent $25k claimer 15-1 longshot Idle Talk, a 6-year-old Olmodavor mare making her first attempt at stakes company in 30 starts. The race itself is named for the great champion Hall of Fame mare Dahlia who in the mid-1970s regularly trounced males at the highest level—in France, in England, and in North America. Among her victories: the FR-G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud; the ENG-G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot; the ENG-G1 Juddmonte International at York; the G1 Man o’War at Belmont Park; and the G1 Washington DC International at Laurel.
    http://filliesfirst.blogspot.com/2012/04/dahlia-on-my-mind.html

    • / Reply

      Congratulations to Idle Talk out of the beautiful stallion Olmodavor, a son of A P Indy.
      Looks like she has found her niche.

    • / Reply

      Especially, Oh, she is retired that is sad, one more of the best is gone, sad very sad, hugs Ingrid.

  13. / Reply

    A horse walks into a Western Union telegraph depot and grabs a sheet in order to send a telegram. Using its teeth, the horse grips a pencil and writes on the form neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh. neigh, neigh. The clerk looks at the form and says to the horse “You’ve only got nine words here. You could send another neigh with no additional cost.” “But,” the horse says “that would make no sense at all.” @Keta-It is noted that you are not yet a member of the club. Better hurry, spots are filling up fast. You might be a redneck if you think lifestyles of the rich and famous is an episode of Hee Haw. You might be a redneck if your dad is also your favorite uncle. You might be a redneck if you drive your tractor on the highway. You might be a redneck if you have grease under your toenails. You might be a redneck if your table cloth is a bed sheet. You might be a redneck if you think dingle berries are a fruit. You might be a redneck if you have ever returned bottles so you could buy beer with the deposit money.

  14. / Reply

    Well, it’s official, HDG RETIRED!!! I hope she is given time to heal properly before, being bred. Hmmm, wonder who they will breed her too?

  15. / Reply

    Sad news for her team and all who admire her. Kudos to them for retiring her so she doesn’t break down on the track. Have a great life beautiful girl you’ve earned it!

    • / Reply

      Sue, This is so surprising to me because on her FaceBook page Saturday, the message was that she was scheduled to work on Sunday and she really liked the Churchill surface. There seem to be horses that don’t like the surface there very much. I sure hope there isn’t a problem with it with the Derby coming up so soon.
      I’m sorry, I got a little off topic of your post. I’m sure it is extremely disappointing for HDG’s connections. I also wish the best for her in the future. Marty R.

  16. / Reply

    Yes, I am truly just as shocked by the announcement that Grace is retiring. Hope she enjoys her new life as a mommy. Wonder who they will breed her too. Maybe another big-shot stud? After all, she is in the ranks, along with a few other famous mares, as a lady big-shot.

    Did anyone see the skewbald racehorses in GB??? He’s SOOO PRETTY! He finished fourth his first time out and the second is making his debut soon too. There are only three in the entire world! Isnt’t that something?

    Black Caviar will make her bid at 20-0 this weekend I believe. I hope she wins, but at the same time, I hope another mare/colt/stallion steps up and at least CHALLENGES her, so when she gets out and races over-seas, it doesn’t turn into a shock factor when a horse challenges her down the stretch.

    It’s Hansen’s official birthday today. Our little ghost is growing up so quickly!

    The new picture of baby Z and mom is so cute. Mom looks great and baby is a fast grower!

    • / Reply

      Zenyen, I agree with you 100%. I do give Mr. Porter credit for being up front about his horse ownership plans. I just truly hope she stays in the USA.

  18. / Reply

    Porter: Havre de Grace Is for Sale
    by Deirdre B. Biles
    Date Posted: 4/23/2012 5:24:52 PM
    Last Updated: 4/23/2012 5:55:26 PM
    Havre de Grace is on the market, according to her owner.
    Rick Porter of Fox Hill Farms said in a telephone interview the afternoon of April 23 he would entertain private offers for his 2011 Horse of the Year. If a deal can’t be struck to sell Havre de Grace privately, he plans to send her to either this year’s Keeneland November breeding stock sale or the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November select auction.
    “I’ve had a couple people call me already,” Porter revealed.
    Earlier in the day Porter announced that Havre de Gracehad been retired from racing after being examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington. She has an injured ligament in her right front ankle.
    The 5-year-old bay daughter of Saint Liam had worked five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 at Churchill Downs April 22.
    Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69182/porter-havre-de-grace-is-for-sale#ixzz1su9GJE80

  19. / Reply

    @Judy Berube – It’s so good to see you posting again. I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
    @Cynthia Holt – Thank you for sharing the Shakespearean quotes. So beautiful!
    @Terry Crow – I guess I’m not as creative as you with joke telling. LOL I never even thought to substitute a horse for the dog! Excellent idea. I’ll have to see what else I can come up with.
    Happy Birthday Noor and Hansen!

      • / Reply

        Terry, I was thinking the same thing. This is deja vu (RA) all over again, they just need to be honest with the fans. I wonder if they will have a fanfare good bye for her?

      • / Reply

        Well to be fair Dr. Bramlage explained in the retirement notification that it was a ligament injury and went on to explain why this sort of injury was career ending for a horse of HdG’s caliber.

        In that respect the best thing for her was retirement vs a significant amount of time (probably the rest of the racing season) off and even then a return to training held a high likely hood of re-injure to the leg.

        Better she retire at a stage where in 60+ days she can live a comfortable life as a broodmare than risk an injury that could see her in severe pain or worse.

        • Definately agree, ligament injuries are often career
          Ending because of the racing training demands
          And the stress and strain endured during such
          High caliber races. She definately has some genes
          That will definately make a big contribution to
          The TB stock. Being St Liam’s most sucessful daughter
          Of his only crop.

    • / Reply

      I was shocked about the retirement but, if she’s injured, that is the best thing to do for her but, when I later read that she was being sold, SHOCK wasn’t a word I could use to say how I feel about this entire thing. Especially, after what Porter said in the article. That shows what kind of person he is, egotistical and worried about the almighty dollar! I just hope for Gracies well being, that she is sold privately and to a very good and loving home! Also, that she stays in the States!

      • / Reply

        Do you have any idea how much money it
        Costs to buy TB, train and race them? Hundreds
        And hundreds and hundreds of thousands of
        Dollars. He is not independently wealthy like the
        Mosses, George Bolton, Barbara Banke so he has
        To get money to recoup his losses !!!! The breeding
        Business even adds more money. He does really
        Love HDG and will hopefully sell her privately.

      • / Reply

        Just relax! Porter does not sound egotistical at all. Just very practical. He is in this very expensive game, true, but he deserves a place at the table, just like those who are outrageously wealthy. HDG is very valuable and will no doubt go to a breeding operation that will take good care of her. This is a business decision that he has always planned on making. At least, that is what I get from reading the article.

        • I have to agree, Sign, and Andrea. I wasn’t exactly endeared to him, but he did not sound egotistical — just being tough about his business goals, and unwilling to sacrifice them for sentiment, mostly. These aren’t his pets.

    • / Reply

      I’m shocked too, but more scared about her going overseas. I’ll be heartbroken if that happens.

      • / Reply

        Can’t seem to help think that all that galloping
        By LJ may have helped to continue to the injury.
        Good idea in theory, but maybe not over the long
        Haul. 200 lbs on ballerina legs over time can be an
        Issue especially galloping at high speed.

        So glad the did not run her in the Apple Blossom,
        She could have broken down.

    • / Reply

      The first and only crop of St. Liam, Horse of the Year, Champion Older Female. Ah, C’est La Vie! Vive La Difference! Mosses vs. Porter.

      • / Reply

        Mosses are independently wealthy; billions
        Rick Porter is not and should not be criticized
        Because he does not want to get involved in breeding.
        He does love and care about HDG and hopefully
        Will be able to sell her privately just like Eric
        Kronfeld did with “V”, $10 million.

    • / Reply

      It appears that this decision to sell HDG was a business decision.
      This week I read that Prince Khalid Abdullah, the owner of the wonder horse Frankel, had recently had some good offers for his 7 year old horse, Twice Over. You will remember that Twice Over ran 3rd to Zenyatta in the 2009 BCC. When the Prince consulted the trainer about selling, Sir Henry Cecil told him that Twice Over was his very best friend and that he would be very sad to see him go. There would be tears at Warren Place, but they would understand if Twice had to be sold. Hearing this, the Prince decided that Twice would stay in training for another year. Twice will be running again for the Prince in 2012. I love this story.

      • / Reply

        Great story Max; did not expect this kind of ending
        For HDG. Hope someone buys her and treats her
        Well. She is a treasure !!!

  22. / Reply

    I love the new baby Z and Mom photos. Baby Z is starting to Dance! Love it! Zenny looks great too. Love you both Thanks LE for the new photos.

    • / Reply

      Dear Eveline:
      Thank you for the link to Baby Z and Z’s newest photos. I think he is the sweetest, most beautiful foal ever. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Eveline,
      Thanks so much for this link, what a treat to see EARnie harassing his mom. Zen you look so patient with the pesky boy. It’s amazing how fast our boy is growing, at birth his back was below Zen’s shoulder point, and now it is 6 inches above…..wow! He is just adorable.

  24. / Reply

    Here they come!
    Churchill Downs PR just tweeted
    Plane transporting Liaison (#KyDerby), Eden’s Moon (#KyOaks), Paynter (#DerbyTrial) et al lands in Lexington. Expected at CD before 5 pm
    Monday April 23rd

  25. / Reply

    Just love the last picture of him dancing! It looks like Zenny is trying to teach him how to bow too! Adorable!!!

  27. / Reply

    Here is a tweet I thought you all would appreciate
    Patti Davis tweeted:
    Dear Mr. Porter, please don’t sell Grace to Japan. Thank you. Love, HDG fans

  28. / Reply

    A huge thanks to LE and the Mosses who continue to share Zenny and her little prince with all of us. The latest photos are simply amazing or “TOO CUTE” as Dottie/Zen would say. Yes, he even dances like his mom!

  29. / Reply

    Zenny, after the after party at Santa Anita yesterday, your fans were invited by Mike Smith to attend his appreciation party at the Derby Restaurant. As I drove in, there was your Dottie and John. As I exited the car, I just had to know girl! First thing I asked Dottie was, “How is Sophie?” Dottie said. “She’s adorable.” I told her that we missed Sophie, and that we miss her too! I just HAD TO KNOW!

    • / Reply

      Karen,
      You all must have had a very full day yesterday! How nice of Mike for the invitation and how great to see John and Dottie. I have to ask, was there any hint about when Eby will run in her first race? That was too cute that you asked about Sophie first thing. Marty R.

      • / Reply

        LOL! I still have not fully recovered from yesterday, AND LAST NIGHTS PARTY, LOL! My poor ole dawgs and tootsies ache, ouch! from all that walking and I am slowly coming through the stiffness! LOL! I will have more on the walk for Cancer and the after after parties later, I am working on my short video now. Marty, you were in our hearts BIG time yesterday and someone has a lot to show and tell you when they post here, hopefully soon. JSmith, Delia, had a great idea for all the loved ones remembered by you, the donors. I know she will share photos and tell us all about it when she has a second – if she surived last nights party! LOL! She stayed when we all left! (Although she was famously late, really, really late – GASP, who knows when she did get home!) She IS a riot to be around, so much fun. Casey, JAG, Jane, James, Madison, adorable Trina, Debbie R. and her friend, Raylene, Delrene and her friend, Robyn, Stephanie in San Diego, (who else?) all were a laugh a minute! I hope I didn’t leave anyone out – OOHH! and sweetheart Anne from Paramount too! Judy Berube you and Russ were also in our thoughts and hearts, as was Kari. Thank everyone for supporting such a great cause as The City of Hope to stamp out Cancer! I will post more later on my thoughts to Zenny about all her friends there at SA and at the after after party of her forever true love, Mikey Smith.

        • Ha Ha Haaa, your’ll never know Miss Karen! THANK YOU to all who donated to our team, Friends Of Zenyatta. I think Zenny would be proud of our last minute fund raising effort. All of you who donated in honour, or memory, of someone, we did indeed carry their name with us on the walk down the track. Jane Wade (who created the team page) took photo’s and will post for you when she can.
          paging BARB MCCLELLAND, if you know any of the people mentioned in Karen’s post above, please contact them and ask them to fwd your email address to me, I have something for you.

        • I was there, and very proud to carry Kari’s heart down the homestretch. Thank you, Judy and Trina, for walking with me. ♥

    • / Reply

      Oh Karen G! How fun the whole day sounds!! I am truly envious not being there, not to mention going to the Derby from Mike Smiths invite and seeing John & Dottie!! Like the old song goes “Girls just want to have FUN”. I’d walk for Zenyatta any day and for her charity. hugs to you all

    • / Reply

      Barbara, yes I just read that about HDG. Gracie is a beauty. I did not read however that they were going to sell her. I just read that they were retiring her and she would become a broodmare. I hope she stays in U.S. if that is the case!! Sally

      Z, I think God heard our prayers before every race of yours. We just love you so!!

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