Standing on Ashpalt

Veterinary, horse care, and training issues.

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Jean
Allowance Winner
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Joined: Mon Nov 01, 2004 5:48 am

Standing on Ashpalt

Postby Jean » Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:29 am

The racehorse barn at Northlands are primarily ashphalt and all of the walkes etc are on ashphalt and the way to the track is sand laid on ashpalt. Any ideas on the best way to address this as to hoof preparations etc. Our trainer uses rubber matting in his stalls to help but still they stand on ashphalt all day. I know how I feel when I even go to watch the races. One day on it and my shins ache!

Shammy Davis
Chef de Race: Classic
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Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2004 8:23 am

Postby Shammy Davis » Mon Feb 07, 2011 5:53 pm

Joe Taylor in this book "Complete Guide to Breeding and Raising Racehorses" recommends the use of asphalt in stalls, barns, and pathways. See page 68. His reasoning is very sensible and I, as a farrier, have on occasions been in barns where asphalt was used for flooring and walkways. The stall bedding was the key element. In most, sawdust was used.

If the asphalt was applied as Joe Taylor recommends, there should be no necessity to change anything concerning the hoof care of your horse.