"Floating" is the term for filing down the sharp points and uneven areas that naturally develop on a horse's teeth over time. It's one of the most routine — and most important — procedures in equine dental care.
What Floating Does
Floating smooths sharp enamel points, hooks, and ramps that develop from the natural grinding motion of chewing. Left untreated, these points can cut into the cheeks and tongue, causing pain that leads to poor chewing, weight loss, and bit resistance.
The Process
Most horses are sedated for a proper float, which allows a full-mouth exam with a speculum and a thorough job filing all the necessary points using either manual or power dental tools.
Modern power floats let dentists work more precisely and comfortably than older hand-rasp methods, often shortening the procedure significantly.
Aftercare
Most horses can return to a normal routine within a day, though it's best to offer soft feed and wait until any sedation has fully worn off before riding.
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