PHOENIX – September 28, 2005 – ‘No Foot – No Horse’ is an old adage that is just as true today as ever. When it comes to caring for horses, the biggest challenges all owners face start with care of the hoof.

Exposure to extreme conditions compromises the strength and integrity of horses’ hooves. Cold climates increase nutritional demands; proper nutrition is the foundation of healthy hooves. Snow and ice are hard on hooves, causing cracks and chips. Dry conditions can draw the moisture from the hooves causing them to become brittle and prone to crack or chip. Wet conditions can over-saturate the hoof, leading to soft and weak hoof walls. Damage to the hoof can allow other opportunistic organisms, such as those that cause thrush, to thrive.

A healthy hoof should be firm and resilient, yet flexible. New hoof wall is produced at the coronary band, in much the same way fingernails grow. It grows very slowly, about one-quarter of an inch per month, requiring from six to nine months to grow out completely. Because the hoof grows so slowly, it is preferable to prevent damage, rather than to try and repair damage once it has occurred.

The American Farrier’s Association advocates, “Proper care of the feet of your horse can have profound effects on the soundness of the animal. Proper care can forestall many costs of horsekeeping. You should do all you can to prevent disease, at any cost.”

Horseshoer’s Secret®, the official products of the American Farrier’s Association, now offers a full range of topical products to maintain and protect your horse’s hooves – both inside and out.

Horseshoer’s Secret® Deep-Penetrating Hoof Conditioner is high in essential fatty acids and natural moisturizers. The exclusive pine-tar free formula penetrates deep to condition and protect hooves like no other hoof dressing. Avocado oil penetrates deep to stimulate collagen production at the coronary band. Glycerine attracts moisture to the hoof while mineral oil helps lock it in. It helps restore damaged hooves and prevents cracks, splits and contracted heals while enhancing color, sheen and texture of the hooves. The 32-ounce bottle comes with a brush-top applicator for ease of use.

Horseshoer’s Secret® Thrush Treatment is used as an aid in the treatment of thrush in horses due to organisms susceptible to Copper Naphthenate. This FDA approved formula is waterproof and provides protection without bandaging. Thrush is a disease of horses’ hooves characterized by a thick, black, foul-smelling discharge. Left untreated, thrush can cause damage to the support structures of the hoof – possibly leading to long-term damage.

Horseshoer’s Secret® Hoof Sealant locks in natural moisture in dry conditions to aid in preventing cracked and brittle hooves and locks out excessive moisture in wet, soggy conditions that could lead to soft hooves. The bottle comes with a dauber-cap for ease of application. It is a quick-drying waterproof formula that gives hooves a showring shine.

The original Horseshoer’s Secret® Pelleted Hoof Supplement helps build strong, healthy hooves from the inside. The balanced blend of essential nutrients, created by equine nutritionists includes: biotin, chelated minerals, essential amino acids, yeast culture and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. If any of these building blocks are lacking in significant amounts, the quality and strength of the hoof will suffer, and so could your horse.

“The environment in which your horse spends its time will determine the product most suited for use,” said Sean Reichle, product manager for Farnam Horse Products. “The three new topical treatments were scientifically formulated to address the most common hoof problems. They are an excellent complement to the original Horseshoer’s Secret Pelleted Hoof Supplement, providing a program that will maintain and protect your horse’s hooves inside and out.”

The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) recently partnered with Farnam Companies, Inc. to officially recognize the company’s Horseshoer’s Secret® brand products. This alliance is designed to help expose more horse owners to the Horseshoer’s Secret® products and their benefits, as well as educate them on the importance of regular hoof care and the advantage of hiring an AFA farrier. For more information on the AFA go to www.NoFootNoHorse.org or call (859) 233-7411.

Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies, Inc. is a leader in the animal health products industry. For information about Farnam Horse Products, in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnamhorse.com.

Farnam – We Make Life Better for Animals and Their People

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