Snow and ice can cause ice balls to build up on horses’ hooves. Horse owners will appreciate this reminder when you share it on social media and in e-newsletters.
When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. . . Walking on an uneven mass even for a short time can cause a number of problems from tripping and sliding to strains or sprains of the muscles, tendons and joints.
Source: EQUUS, January 4, 2019. Link. It’s better to take measures to prevent ice-balls them from forming:
- Let the horse go barefoot
- Add anti-snowball pads
- Try a home remedy
- Get the horse hoof boots