Rich Affonso Teaches 10 Common Hoof Problems
Learn how to identify hoof issues early to help keep your partner sound and healthy.
We've all heard the expression "no hoof, no horse," and for the most part, that's absolutely true. In this course, top farrier Rich Affonso will teach you about some of the most common hoof problems. He will explain how these hoof problems occur, why they mater, and the correct way to fix them.
Identify Common Issues
From brittle hooves to white line disease to abscesses to thrush, Rich breaks down the common signs for each issue, and teaches you how to identify them early.
Overall Hoof Health
Rich takes you through what a healthy hoof looks like, and how each issue compromises the overall health and soundness of your horse's hooves.
Know the Treatments
Most importantly, you'll learn how to help your horse get back to a better places by going through all of the possible treatment options for each specific issue.
Course Overview
Here are just a few of the many things you'll have access to with this course:
- 10 in-depth video lessons with Rich Affonso
- How to identify the 10 most common hoof issues with horses
- Practical treatment options for each condition
- The hows and whys of each issue, including potential preventative measures
10 Common Hoof Issues Lesson Plan
Rich goes over the 10 most common hoof problems that you'll discuss during this course.
Potentially the most common problem horse owners face, Rich goes over why it occurs, and how to help your horse's hoof maintain a healthy moisture level.
A very common problem among certain breeds, Rich explains how and why it happens, and what you can do to help your horse have a more normal hoof shape.
Another extremely common issue with potentially devastating consequences, Rich explains why they occur and how to help your horse regain more heel over time.
Wait, why are we talking about a tendon? See earlier comment about No Hoof, No Horse. Rich explains how bowed tendons and hoof health are connected, and how to prevent this issue from occurring.
A closely related, but not identical, issue as low heels is sensitive heels. Rich breaks down the differences and explains how to help your horse feel better.
A scourge of hoof health, once a quarter crack occurs, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Rich explains why they happen, how to prevent them, and what do to if you already have one.
One of the most misunderstood hoof problems, Rich goes over what this disease does to your horse's hoof, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs to help get rid of it.
Just as you can bruise your foot walking over a sharp rock, our horses can get bruises walking over hard or rocky terrain, especially if they have thin soles. Rich goes over how to know if your horse has a bruise, and what to do to make them feel better as it heals.
A close relative of hoof bruises, this is perhaps one of the most common challenges with horses, and can make a sound horse 3 legged lame overnight. Rich tells you how to identify them, and more importantly, how to help your horse get rid of them.
Perhaps one of the more destructive and serious issues that nonetheless effects many horses, Rich goes into what thrush does to the hoof, the conditions it needs to grow, and how to get rid of it once it occurs.
Meet Rich Affonso, your Masterclass Instructor
Rich Affonso, a seasoned farrier with over 20 years of experience, is renowned for his expertise in horseshoeing and hoof maintenance. His passion for equine care and innate connection with horses have shaped his career. Known for both technical proficiency and empathetic handling of horses, Affonso has earned a stellar reputation at the highest levels of the equestrian community. His commitment to equine well-being makes him a trusted figure among horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians.
