How to Keep Your Horse’s Hooves Healthy - Important Tips
As a farrier, I see firsthand how vital it is to maintain your horse’s hooves between shoeing or trimming appointments. Healthy hooves are the foundation of a sound horse, and while I do my best during each visit, the real work happens in the weeks in between. The good news? Keeping your horse’s hooves in great shape doesn’t have to be complicated, it just requires consistency, awareness, and a little extra effort.
The Importance of Daily Hoof Care
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your horse is to pick out their hooves daily. It might seem like a small task, but it makes a massive difference in preventing issues like thrush, bruising, and stone punctures. Mud, manure, and small stones can get packed in the hoof, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If left unchecked, this can lead to infections or discomfort that could have been avoided with a quick pick-out session.
While you’re cleaning out the hooves, take a moment to inspect them. Do you see any cracks forming? Are there any signs of chipping or flaring? How does the hoof wall look, dry and brittle or soft and spongy? Noting these small details can help catch potential problems early, before they turn into bigger issues requiring intervention.
Balancing Moisture for Healthy Hooves
Managing moisture levels is another key factor in hoof health, if the ground is too dry, the hooves can become brittle and start cracking. Striking a balance is important.
If your paddock is dry and the hooves are chipping or cracking, applying a hoof conditioner, such as the Diamond Hoof Grease or Hoof oil can help maintain flexibility. Remember, healthy hooves should be strong yet pliable, not rock-hard or overly soft. Dry, hot weather can cause the hooves to shrink and crack. Keeping your horse properly hydrated and applying hoof treatments as needed can help combat these issues.
As autumn transitions into winter in New Zealand, horse owners face a unique set of challenges in maintaining healthy hooves. The frequent rainfall, shorter daylight hours, and cooler temperatures create persistently wet and muddy paddocks, which can wreak havoc on a horse’s hoof health. Unlike the drier conditions of summer, where hooves naturally harden and maintain structural integrity, the constant exposure to moisture during autumn and winter softens the hoof wall, making it more susceptible to damage.
Prolonged dampness can weaken the hoof’s natural protective barrier, leading to common issues such as soft soles, thrush, white line disease, and abscesses. Softened hooves tend to break or chip more easily, especially if horses are moving across rough terrain. The frog and sole can become overly pliable, reducing their ability to absorb shock effectively and increasing the risk of bruising. Thrush, a bacterial infection that thrives in moist environments, can develop in the sulci of the frog, causing a foul smell, black discharge, and discomfort. Similarly, white line disease, which occurs when bacteria and fungi invade the weakened hoof wall, can lead to separation of the hoof layers, resulting in instability and potential lameness.
To prevent these hoof-related problems, proactive hoof care is essential throughout the colder months. Regular trimming by a farrier helps maintain proper hoof balance and prevents excessive flaring or cracks that could worsen in wet conditions. Providing dry standing areas, such as well-drained paddocks, sand or gravel turnout areas, and clean stables, allows hooves time to dry out and regain their strength. Daily hoof cleaning is crucial for removing mud and debris, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Applying a hoof hardener, such as Keratex Hoof Hardener or Venice Turpentine, can help strengthen the sole. Using antimicrobial hoof dressings like Sole Pack, even Farriers Choice can aid in preventing thrush and white line disease. In cases where horses are particularly prone to hoof deterioration, hoof boots or strategically applied pads can provide extra protection and support.
By staying vigilant and adapting hoof care routines to suit New Zealand’s autumn and winter conditions, horse owners can help prevent serious hoof problems and ensure their horses remain comfortable and sound throughout the wet season.
Keeping Your Farrier on a Regular Schedule
One of the biggest mistakes horse owners make is letting too much time pass between farrier visits. Whether your horse is shod or barefoot, regular trims every 5 to 8 weeks are essential to maintaining balance and preventing overgrowth. When hooves get too long, they begin to chip, crack, or develop flares that put strain on the horse’s legs and joints. Overgrown hooves can also change the horse’s posture, leading to soreness or lameness over time.
When you keep your farrier on a consistent schedule, you make their job easier. Instead of trying to fix problems that have developed due to neglect, they can maintain a steady, healthy hoof shape. Plus, regular visits mean your horse stays comfortable, and you’re less likely to deal with costly corrective work down the road.
How to Keep Your Farrier Safe During Appointments
As a horse owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring your farrier’s safety. Shoeings and trims require close physical contact with your horse’s legs, and a poorly behaved or unprepared horse can make the job not only difficult but dangerous.
First and foremost, make sure your horse is used to having their hooves handled. If they fidget, pull away, or refuse to stand still, work on desensitization before the farrier arrives. Regularly picking up and holding your horse’s feet will make them more cooperative and comfortable with the process.
When your farrier arrives, hold your horse correctly. Stand on the same side as the farrier and keep a firm but relaxed grip on the lead rope. Avoid sudden movements and keep your horse’s head facing forward rather than in the farrier’s space. If your horse has a habit of biting, consider using a lead chain or a soft muzzle to discourage nipping.
It’s also important to provide a safe working environment. Choose a flat, dry area with good footing, avoid slippery surfaces, cramped spaces, or locations with too many distractions. If you have other horses, keep them at a distance to prevent unnecessary excitement or nervous energy.
Finally, be present and attentive during the appointment. Don’t leave your farrier alone with your horse and be ready to assist if needed. A well-handled horse makes for a smooth, efficient, and safe experience for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Hoof care isn’t just about what happens when your farrier visits—it’s about the daily and seasonal steps you take to maintain healthy hooves. By staying proactive, keeping your horse on a regular trimming or shoeing schedule, and ensuring a safe working environment for your farrier, you’re setting your horse up for long-term soundness and comfort.
If you ever have concerns about your horse’s hooves, don’t hesitate to reach out to your farrier. We’re here to help and happy to offer guidance to keep your horse’s hooves in the best possible condition. After all, healthy hooves mean a happy, sound horse!