The field of equine medicine is experiencing a period of exciting growth, with significant advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic options available to horse owners. Over recent decades, equine healthcare has evolved to offer a broad range of services, from internal medicine, surgery, and reproductive management to lameness diagnostics, dental care, and neurologic treatment—available both in-hospital and on-farm. In addition to these traditional services, alternative therapies like acupuncture are gaining popularity for treating various conditions in horses.

While one can’t plan for every form of disaster, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.

Is your horse at risk? Laminitis is damage and inflammation of the tissue between the hoof and the underlying coffin bone (distal phalanx, P3). This tissue, the laminae (also called lamellae), is actually folded layers of tissue contacting the surface of the bone on one side and the inside of the hoof wall on the other, connecting the two. Depending on how severely these attachments are weakened, the outcome can range from mild foot soreness to separation of the coffin bone and hoof (founder). The front hooves, which bear the majority of the horse’s weight, are most commonly affected, but it can also occur in the hind hooves.

Knowing how to wrap your horse's leg is an essential skill for the attentive horse owner. Questions such as What thickness of bandage should I use on my horse's leg? How do I know when wrapping my horse's leg is appropriate? What supplies do I need? are all very important. With help from this article, and a little practice, you will have master these skills in no time.