At the centre we have helped many horses back to soundness this year and we are very glad to help both horse and rider in any way we can.



Rita, a coloured mare arrived a few months ago with a bad case of Canker in all four feet. She was in pain, did not want to be handled, certainly did not want her feet picked up or picked out. She was stressed and miserable. Her very caring owner needed help and support and did not want to give up on this lovely mare.

Canker in horses, also called equine proliferative pododermatitis, is a condition that causes proliferation of the hoof tissues. The exact cause of canker is currently unknown but may be related to a bacterial or viral infection.   Canker characteristically has a cauliflower-like or ragged appearance and is most common around the frog of the hoof. The tissue is highly sensitive when touched and usually results in lameness in the affected horse.   

The vets were at a loss to know what to do next and not enough is known about this condition. After very careful, disciplined and methodical treatment of these 4 feet every second day which involved unbandaging and treating the soles and the frogs which were very sore with antibacterial wash, anti-biotic powders and then rebandaging again with pads so that Rita could be as comfortable as we could make her, finally the pain started to subside and the infection started to clear up and Rita was very much more comfortable to stand and walk and was a much happier mare.