Horses hoofs/hooves

[ripsishere]

I am not a horsey person, they are fine to look at but I am not drawn to them. I do have a question though. Me and DD were looking at a magazine and there was an advert for a donkey sanctuary (could have been horse I can't remember). Anywya, the poor animal had hoofs like arabian slippers, they were long and curled up at the ends.
DD asked me why that had happened and why they hadn't worn away. I told her it was probably dietary related. Am I right? She keeps on asking about it.

Well they grow all the time, like our fingernails, and get worn away as the animal walks about, or get trimmed by a farrier if it isn't getting enough exercise. Even with normal wear the hooves usually need the attention of a farrier to keep them tidy (with a rasp) so that they don't split (like a manicure!) and so that they wear evenly and remain in the correct shape. It is important to have a healthy well-balanced hoof, otherwise strain will be put on the donkey's joints and tendons.
I suspect this poor thing has been shut up in a stable or similar for a long time and never been trimmed. It's simply neglect I'm afraid, rather than dietary.

OK, thanks for that. I am going to stick with dietary. I've been using it as a cautionary tale.
Poor horse/donkey. We did put 10 ringett in an envelope for it (overseas)