AT last the hunters are returning from their summer break, happy and overweight, but unwilling to be caught to start the new season back at school. They should have been getting their hooves checked and pared back, normally every six to eight weeks, especially if they were experiencing problems before. Every four to six weeks is about normal, but ask your farrier for advice.

If you have not been getting the hooves checked, due to one thing or another, remember that the hunter has been putting on weight and the hooves have been growing unchecked. If the hooves are now over-grown, they are now ‘out of shape’ and putting pressure on the tendons and joints. The hoof itself can be under pressure thus resulting in hoof cracking and splitting. This can be difficult to get back into shape and may take some time. This is important for the weight bearing of the horse and action/movement of the limb. All in all, it can take months to correct, which can result in half, if not more, of the hunting season being over.