Quick Overview – What You Should Know About Your Horse’s Hooves
Your horse’s hoof is made of horn, which regularly changes and grows quickly. The growth and quality of the hooves depend on many different factors. Ensure a clean stall, paddock, or pasture – because manure and urine attack your horse’s hoof. Weather conditions also play a big role. In winter, the hoof grows slower than in summer. Make sure your horse gets enough exercise to keep the blood circulation going. Also, the farrier should check your horse’s hooves every 4-8 weeks.
The #KNOWHOW for Optimal Care
Care starts with daily hoof picking. Your horse’s hoof should always be thoroughly picked out before and after exercise. This removes bedding, manure, or small stones – helping to prevent hoof abscesses. You can also check for cracks or pressure points during this process.
The #PERFECTFINISH with Hoof Oil or Hoof Grease
Visually, a greased hoof looks very elegant. Opinions differ on whether hoof oil or hoof grease positively affects hoof quality. Generally, hoof grease seals the hoof against moisture. This is useful if your horse often stands on wet ground. However, if your horse suffers from dry and brittle hooves, greasing can be counterproductive. The hoof horn then cannot absorb the necessary moisture. In this case, it’s necessary to spray the hooves with water for some time first. The moisture can then penetrate the hoof before it is sealed with hoof grease. The moisture is then retained inside the hoof. Hoof oil can be an effective care product to maintain moisture in the hoof while also forming a protective film to prevent the hooves from becoming too wet. This can be useful, for example, if your horse spends a lot of time on wet pasture. For the #PERFECTFINISH, the key is to keep one thing in mind: optimal regulation of hoof moisture – the hooves should be neither too wet nor too dry.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT SHOES – The Right Shoeing for Your Horse
Besides proper care, shoeing also plays a major role for your horse. Whether your horse should go barefoot or wear horseshoes cannot be said generally; it depends on your horse and its living conditions. Individual advice from a farrier about the appropriate shoeing for your horse is recommended. Below you will find the advantages and disadvantages of each type of shoeing.
Your #PROBLEM SOLVERS for Everyday Life
In our shop, you’ll find several aids you can use for Hoof Care. The HOOF OIL WITH BRUSH by EFFOL promotes horn elasticity and provides more stability. It also gives the hoof a perfect shine.
Besides the horn, the frog also needs proper care. The FROG PROTECT by STIEFEL protects the frog from external influences, cares for it, and keeps it dry. This prevents bacteria from entering the frog sulcus.
For very brittle and dry hooves, the KRONRAND BALM by ZEDAN is suitable. The balm promotes and supports hoof growth, cares for the coronet band, and stimulates horn formation.
‘No Hoof, No Horse’
Now you know all the #GAMECHANGER tips for Hoof Care! Under the category ‘CARE’ you’ll find many more everyday helpers.
