Hoof Care Month: The Foundation of Equine Health!

by Heather Carter February 09, 2024

Welcome to Hoof Care Month! February is dedicated to highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy hooves for our equine companions. As any horse owner knows, proper hoof care is essential for the overall well-being and performance of our four-legged friends.

Why Hoof Care Matters

The saying, “No hoof, no horse,” rings true for a reason! The hoof is the foundation of the horse’s entire skeletal system, supporting their weight and absorbing the shock of each stride. Neglecting hoof care can lead to a host of problems, including lameness, discomfort, and even long-term damage.

Animals that have hooves cannot have a happy and healthy life when these parts of their legs are ailing. An ailing hoof may develop an infection that can cause them to start limping, have difficulty walking, or develop arthritis and other joint issues. This can also lead to problems with feeding because they cannot bend like they need to due to the pain from the additional weight placed on their ailing hoof.

Essential Hoof Care Practices

• Regular Trimming and Maintenance: Just like human nails, hooves continue to grow and need regular trimming to maintain their shape and prevent issues like overgrowth or imbalances. A skilled farrier or trimmer should be enlisted to trim hooves every 4-8 weeks, depending on the individual horse’s needs.

• Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, and copper is crucial for promoting healthy hoof growth. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure your horse’s diet supports strong hooves.

• Clean and Dry Living Conditions: Moisture and bacteria can wreak havoc on hooves, leading to conditions like thrush or white line disease. Keep stalls clean and dry, provide adequate turnout, and pick out hooves daily to prevent buildup of dirt and debris.

• Regular Exercise: Movement helps to stimulate blood flow to the hooves, promoting growth and overall hoof health. Ensure your horse gets regular exercise appropriate for their age, fitness level, and discipline.

Spotting Potential Hoof Issues

Regular hoof inspections are crucial for catching potential problems early. Look out for signs of cracks, chips, uneven wear, or changes in hoof color or texture. Any signs of lameness or discomfort should be promptly addressed by a veterinarian or farrier to prevent further damage.

Some consequences from improper hoof care include, but are not limited to:

• Toe Injuries
• Discomfort while standing
• Cracks in the hoof and hoof wall
• Sore and tender feet, foot diseases, and infections
• Thrush during the winter (from standing in mud and snow)
• White line disease or seedy toe (caused by a keratin-digesting fungi)
• Laminitis/founder (aka road or gras founder); lameness from hoof pressure and pain caused by overfeeding
• Soft tissue injuries including abscesses (from bacteria and fungi)

It is important for the horse owner to be able to recognize hoof issues requiring professional attention. If you have any concerns about your horse’s hooves, always consult with a qualified equine professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Natural Equine Hoof Care

There are a variety of natural remedies that can proactively help protect and address common hoof issues. Always work with your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis before trying any new treatment.

• Omega-3 Oil and Vitamins A & D
  • When used together, they actively promote tissue repair and the growth of healthy hooves.
• Birch Bark Extract
  • Used for centuries in veterinarian (and human) medicine with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The naturally pain-relieving component is called botulin (it gives the birch bark its white color) and provides relief for a variety of hoof ailments.
• Biotin Supplements
  • Promotes good hoof growth and overall health.
• Linseed Mash
  • Helpful with thrush, a soft mash poultice made from boiling linseeds (also known as flaxseeds). Spread the warm poultice over the hoof and wrap.
• Absorbine Veterinary Liniment
  • A blend of natural herbs and essential oils. Helps prevent, soothe, and treat common hoof fungal and bacterial conditions (including thrush and white line disease).
• Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Use as a soak for thrush and abscesses. Use ¼ cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water.
• Epsom Salts
  • Draws out infection in a horse’s foot. Use 2 cups per gallon of warm water. Soak the infected hoof twice daily for approximately 20-30 minutes or until the abscess begins to drain.

This Hoof Care Month let’s renew our commitment to keeping our horses‘ hooves healthy and happy! By prioritizing regular maintenance, proper nutrition, and vigilant monitoring, we can ensure our equine companions stay sound and comfortable for years to come! Here’s to celebrating the unsung heroes of the horse world – their hooves!

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