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
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Thankyou team Z for sharing this wealth of info. Zenyatta and 12Z together for their hoof trimming; how adorable is that. He just needs to be with mom and he is okay with it. (Just like ours were with doctors & first haircut) That little guy is not so little any more. I hope he has big dreams and the heart to match them like Z has/had. Thrilled to see their pictures again. Love & kisses on their soft noses
Auntie Sally
Kelly J. /ND
Baby Z is so cute!
Mary in Boone, NC
Hi!
Thank you Dr. Morrison, Lane’s End team, and Team Zenyatta for this wonderful article. The information on the importance of the hoof is excellent. Looks like Baby Z had an excellent first time experience. I agree with all said about his looks, ears, and personality and with all said about Zenyatta, A++ Mother. Thanks to all for sharing these special photos so all godparents can share the experience. As always, you rock!!! High hooves all around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take care all,
Mary in Boone
PatB from NM
Check out that very vigilant mom!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Oh yes, Team Z and Lane’s End, thank you for taking such wonderful care of our Zenyatta and 12Z and all the other beautiful ones there at Lane’s End. I have the highest regard for Lane’s End and those care givers. Sally B
Bonnie
what a big boy he is going to be
Barbara Wood (Texas)
These pictures are truly worth 1000 words! It is stunning that BabyZ is growing so fast. I love that our Z. is a perfect Mom–so involved in everything pertaining to her little one!
Thank you, Dr. Morrison and Team Z., for letting us in on these day-to-day occurrences.
@Terry C.–love the jokes.
Terry Crow
The tone of the blog was so reverent I hesitated to post. I’m a big fan of Zenny and her foal too.
Margie from SoCal
Love these photos! 12Z, your ears made me laugh out loud (a very happy laugh)! You’ll be growing into them soon enough. Can’t believe how much you’ve grown already. Mama Z, you’re perfect as always, perfectly beautiful and a perfect mother. Sigh, life is good when I’m in Zenny Land.
Thanks, Lane’s End and Dr. Morrison – great info.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Thanks so much for the great pics as well as the very informative and interesting article in regards to the young developing foals hooves and etc. I learned so much through this article that I never knew before. And Little Z, my goodness he sure is growing and is absolutely looking great. And it sure looks as if Zenyatta is keeping her eyes peeled on what is going on with her little guy, momma making sure that no one does her little one wrong for sure. It is truly amazing how things change from day to day and it is great that things are going so well for Zenyatta and her Bernardini son. I love you lots Zenyatta and miss you more than ever. Love your little son too, you both are bright and shining stars that sparkle and shine brighter than any star up above. Sending my love, blessings and kisses!
Jeanie
I just had to come back again for another look at those ears. Amazing! Who posted the link to the yearling son of Street Cry at a recent sale? The one who was a dead ringer for Zenyatta and was dancing to boot? We need to see that again because that’s what we’re looking at here only smaller.
j
Mary in Lynchburg, Virginia
Wow …… Z’s colt is adorable……..and he looks just like mom….love his ears. Z is the best mom…..she is watching everything they are doing to her baby. Loved the article…thank you Dr. Morrison. Thanks for the post today.
Carole Klumb #42 / Eagle, WI
Oh my how baby 12z has grown, I can’t believe it and I agree those ears are really something. Z is such a wonderful mom watching her son so intently so he is safe. Thanks for the informative post.
Hugs and peppermint kiss to Z and 12z. XOXOXOXO
Leslie R.
Thank you Team Z, Dr. Morrison and Lane’s End for the pics and the information! Dr. Morrison’s piece on hoof care for foals was very interesting.
Baby Z looks fantastic. He’s sure growing up fast and his ears are too cute, just like his mom’s.
Thanks again and I hope everyone is having a nice day!
Love to all,
Leslie
Roberta Smithr
I see “Mommy Queen Zenytatta” watching every thing the vet is doing to her “Prince!” What a good Mommy…..I love you Zenyatta and that baby boy of yours too!!!! He is a beauty!!!!!!!!
Kimberly Potter/Missing my Zenyatta
Thank you Lane’s End and Dr. Morrison for such an informative post. Can Baby Z get any cuter? And of course, Zenyatta is as beautiful as ever!
Molly
Zenyatta is so protective and Little Prince is just adorable. Thank you so much Lanes End for sharing this experience with us. Was so sorry to hear about Dynaformer’s cardiac event. Has anyone heard if the 2012 Vertigineaux / Street Cry foal has been born yet?
carol in utah
Hi molly….think she lost the pregnancy ….fairly early on
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Molly, this was posted by Maureen earlier:
Maureen From Santa Barbara, CA
March 1, 2012 at 10:53 am
I talked with Ashford last November where Vertigineux is and she was not in foal. John told me that she was bred to Street Cry but didn’t take. Such a dissappointment. Don’t know if there are any plans for her this year.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
And this was posted then by Amanda:
Amanda
March 1, 2012 at 11:49 am
From what I have heard V was rebred to Street Cry last week so hooves crossed it takes this time.
Molly
Sorry, Zenyatta, spelled your dam’s name wrong… Vertigineux…
LINDA MARIE
THANK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE! I CAN’T HELP BUT NOTICE HOW ZENYATTA IS SUPERVISING ALL OF THIS…VERY PROTECTIVE.
signofthetimes
She really does not look protective she is just watching, without any anxiety;
“Oh yes, 12 Zenyatta it is time to get your hooves trimmed, I do it every 6 to 8 weeks and it really is very fun, to ge your first manicure.”
Marilu V
Thank you Team Z, Dr. Morrison and Lanes End for the wonderful pictures.
Just looking at Zenny and Baby Z makes me so happy for both of them. Baby Z is adorable. He has grown so much.
Look at Zenny – she is looking at the camera. Such a Queen!
Love and hugs to Zenny and Baby Z. Kisses too, Marilu
sissy
Notice how the handlers are leading “12” ahead of Z? That’s the proper way to do it. Then at weaning they can walk 12 into the stall and Z will be walked down the aisle and outside. That shows excellent stable management.
He sure has good manners for a baby. But then Z and Bernie are both easy to handle too.
signofthetimes
Lane’s End are real experts at what they do. The way 12 Zenyatta is letting Dr. Morrison
pick his feet up and file them shows lots and lots and lots of really good human contact
with his body and his hooves. It is so very important from day one to handle horses hooves so they know what to do and what not to do so they do no harm their human
friends unintentionally. Those little foal feet can be quite sharp !!!
Terry Crow
These are opinions of those who obviously know what they are talking about. Thank you.
Ingrid Arnone
Lane’s End: Thank you so much for the information.
My adorable Zenyatta as always you look so beautiful, and baby prince he is so adorable, he is getting so big, you two look so much alike, love you both Ingrid.
evy
So interesting!!! Both mom and baby look happy and well….so do their handlers!!!!
Keta
Steve Haskin Derby Dozen (video) – April 16, 2012 –
Presented by Shadwell Farm
16 Apr 2012 5:01 PM
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kentucky-derby-dozen/archive/2012/04/16/derby-dozen-video-april-16-2012-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx
Another great analysis by Steve!
Terry Crow
He has Gemologist and Hansen ranked too low and the California horses too high.
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
I find this an interesting list.
Eve from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Thanks for the article. All of you have done so much in educating us on racing and all that goes into taking care of the horses. Thanks again. Z and BabyZ look great. He is going to be a big one.
Gloria
Thanks for the update and photos. They are adorable. Junior is growing up fast!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Just checked in to say hello to all of you and found myself smiling at the beautiful image of Z and Little Z. Seeing how wonderful he and his Mom look has brightened my day. What a stunning looking horse he is going to be some day. My Russ loved him too. Hope all of you are well. Hugs, JB
nancy in nj
judy – it is good to hear from you. i sent you a pm on your page here. hope you got it. thinking of you and sending you strength and hugs.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Nancy in NJ:
Thank you. Hugs, JB
Max
Judy. Good to see a post from you. 12Z is really growing and getting more handsome each day. Glad that it made you smile. Miss you and your great links. Take care of yourself. Thinking of you often and always hoping that you are okay.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Wonderful to hear from you Judy. Strong horsey hugs from me to you.
signofthetimes
So glad you checked in Judy, to see 12 Zenyatta and Queen Zenyatta at one month old.
Both look lovely. Have a wonderful day, Judy. Thought and prayers will you always.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dearest Judy–so glad you checked in to see this. It would brighten any day! Love you.
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by L♥ve!
So glad to see you posting! I hope this is some comfort to you (and Lola Mae) Judy. How thoughtful of you to think of us, and thank you for keeping in touch and letting us know how you are doing. L♥ve ……
sharon in seattle
dear Judy – so good to read your post. And I hope you are doing well. I know many of us have missed hearing from you
Terry Crow
Judy-You brighten the day any time you post.
nancy in nj
boy, this is really nice. just like old times – a great, informative and very interesting blog with everybody commenting all in one place…i miss that. then, i see the current pictures of queen z who can still take my breath away in the blink of an eye, and i remember just how much i loved watching her race…i miss that. gee, i guess when one attains a certain age, one begins to miss many things; but, then, i look at all the wonderful new stuff and smile. i look at 12z and see the handsome stallion he will be (just like his daddy) when the adorable baby-ness is over. i look at z as she protects him – you just know that absolutely nothing will be allowed to happen to this baby unless the queen mama oks it! what a formidable presence…i look at all the posts here signed with familiar names, and feel comfort. of course, there are the jokes – love those jokes, terry, thank you. done rambling, now. as always, team z, thank you for keeping us connected!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
What a nice, heartwarming post! Wonderful! Thank you Nancy – I feel the same!
nancy in nj
quite welcome!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, Nancy!
nancy in nj
and to you, also! thank you.
Terry Crow
Nancy-You don’t post often but I really appreciate the comments. Thank you.
nancy in nj
you are quite welcome!
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Nancy: Great post. I second that–thank you to Team Z for keeping us informed and connected.
sue and tony
What a great entry today! Lots of great information for us to enjoy and the pictures are so cute. Zenny, never has her eyes off little Z/B and those ears, Oh, my!
Thanks LE for giving us yet another chapter into the exquisite life of our Queen and her little guy. A HIGH HOOF to all of you!
sueW/Va
Oh my goodness! What a great entry today and those pictures…I can never get enough of them
LE is doing a fantastic job keeping us updated on all things going on in Zenny’s live and for that I am enternally thankful.
tony
How I wish I was the one fitting shoes on the little prince. I notice “mom” is keeping a keen eye on everything and everyone.