No Hoof, No Horse

Everyone always says, “no hoof, no horse” and it couldn’t be more true. Hooves are the foundation of the horse. The daily rule they play is crucial to a horse’s overall wellbeing.

Proper Nutrition First

If you want to see a significant change in the strength of your horse’s hooves check on what they’re putting into their bodies. Specific vitamins and minerals such as methionine which is an amino acid that contributes to growth and fights infection, biotin for hoof growth and repair, vitamin A which promotes tissue growth, vitamin E which is an antioxidant that helps to slow cell aging, and zinc for growth and hoof strength. Make sure to check with your farrier, vet, and nutritionist about how much of each of these your horse needs to have the best hoof health out there. 

Be Aware of the Climate

The climate you and your horse live in is important to note when addressing hoof health. If you live in an extremely dry climate you may have to add extra moisture to their hooves through a moisturizing hoof dressing or oil of some sort. If the hooves become too dry they start to crack and become very brittle. On the flip side to this, if the hooves receive too much moisture or you live in a wet area you also have to ensure the hooves aren’t getting too soft. When hooves are exposed to large amounts of moisture the protective part of the hoof becomes soft and has a harder time protecting the hoof from things like thrush or other bacteria and fungal infections. In this situation it’s best to find a hoof dressing that protects the hoof from getting more moisture.

Ensure the Hoof is Clean

Cleaning the hoof is one the most important things in your grooming routine. It’s recommended that you pick the hooves as often as possible. Horses need you to remove and small rocks, mud, or manure from their hooves. If you do not remove these things they can cause stone bruising and infection as well as a large amount of discomfort to the horse. Examining your horse’s hooves often will help you see anything out of the norm which will allow you to catch issues early and before they become a much larger problem.

With these tips you can be an active member in assuring your horse has the best hooves possible. Always keep an eye on your horse’s hooves because as they say, “A horse is only as sound as his hoof!”