Hoof Care: Comprehensive Protection for Healthy Hooves

Hoof Care: The Foundation for a Healthy Horse's Life

No healthy hooves, no healthy horse – this old guiding principle is still absolutely valid today. The horse's hoof is a biomechanical marvel that absorbs enormous forces with every step and bears the entire weight of the horse. However, due to box stabling, hard ground, damp bedding, and changing weather conditions, the hoof horn is put under extreme strain. Regular hoof care tailored to the season is therefore essential to effectively prevent cracks, thrush, and breaking out of the horn.

Keeping the Moisture Balance in Equilibrium

The biggest challenge in hoof care is balancing moisture. In the hot summer, the dry ground extracts water from the hoof – it becomes brittle, cracked, and loses its shock-absorbing elasticity. Moisturizing oils and balms that penetrate deep into the pores help here. In the wet autumn and winter, however, the hoof horn is in danger of softening. Constant moisture and ammonia attack the tissue and favor harmful bacteria. Now, water-repellent greases and protective tar are required to seal the hoof from the outside.

Daily Routine in the Stable

Good care begins with picking out the hooves daily and carefully inspecting the frog. Only if dirt, manure, and small stones are completely removed from the frog grooves does the tissue remain ventilated and healthy. By subsequently applying care products with a clean brush, you protect the horn for a long time and at the same time care for the important coronary band, where the new, healthy horn grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn't I only care for the hooves before riding?
Hoof care is best done after exercise and after washing. A slightly damp, freshly cleaned hoof absorbs nourishing oils and greases much better. If you apply the care products then, you lock the moisture from the water into the hoof, which ensures long-lasting elasticity.

How can I tell if my horse has thrush?
A healthy frog is firm, rubbery, and smells neutral. As soon as the tissue becomes greasy, a deep, soft groove forms in the middle of the frog, and a pungent, foul odor occurs, the horse has thrush. In this case, the hoof must immediately be kept dry and treated intensively.

Is it enough if the farrier comes every few weeks?
No, the farrier is responsible for correcting the hoof position and shoeing. The maintenance of the health of the horn capsule, protection against drying out, and daily hygiene in the frog grooves lie solely in the responsibility of the horse owner.