HEALTHY FROG, HAPPY HORSE
Picking out hooves is one of the simplest horse-care tasks. You probably do it automatically by now---the movements of lifting a hoof and running a pick through its contours are ingrained in your muscle memory as deeply as tying your own shoes. But this routine chore is also one of the most important when it comes to keeping your horse sound.
Not only does picking remove potentially injurious debris from your horse’s hooves, but it provides the perfect opportunity to spot potential problems before they cause trouble. You may notice a loose shoe, for example, or discover odors, discoloration or other signs of bacterial or fungal infection. Taking a moment to inspect the underside of a horse’s hoof after you’ve picked it clean is time well spent. A focal point of your investigation will be the hoof’s frog, a triangular pad of tissue on the bottom of the
