Over the past few years of shoeing rodeo horses with heavy competition and training schedules, I have noticed patterns emerge. Commonly, roping and barrel horses spend a decent amount of time barefoot during the off-season, and are put back to work for several weeks before being shod. These generally small and flat-footed horses can end up lame.

Is ‘natural’ just a label in equine care? In today’s equine industry, the terms natural and organic are commonly used. While "organic" is a regulated label in equine product development and marketing, "natural" is not subject to the same standards. Horse owners must exercise greater caution when selecting "natural" products, as the term can be misleading.

For many horse owners, visits from the farrier occur every six weeks and typically involve routine trimming or standard horseshoeing. When a horse remains consistently sound and performs well, regular farriery by an experienced professional is usually sufficient for optimal hoof health. However, when soundness problems or decreased performance arise, more specialized farriery approaches may be needed to restore comfort and function.

Climate change is increasingly affecting horses, horse properties, and their owners across Canada. In recent surveys, nearly 90 percent of Canadians reported noticing the impacts of climate change in their communities. Horses are facing rising health risks, including respiratory diseases from wildfire smoke and dust, skin conditions and hoof damage caused by unpredictable weather, and new parasites and diseases. Horse owners are also dealing with higher hay costs, unexpected veterinary expenses, and challenges related to weather disruptions, such as riding limitations. Meanwhile, owners of horse properties are working to repair damage from severe storms, flooding, droughts, and high winds.