In recent history, hoof care has been one of the most neglected horse management practices within the equine industry.
Steven M. Jones, Associate Professor of Beef Cattle and Equine at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service said, “Healthy hooves are literally the foundation for everything you want to enjoy with your horse. The hoof must be pliable and healthy so that the horse is useful and sound for best performance. Caring for your horse’s hooves will safeguard their long-term soundness.”
Hoof care needs to be as much of a routine as feeding and watering horses. This should include (at minimum) routine cleaning of the feet, periodic trimming, corrections of any minor imperfections, and treatment of foot injuries and diseases. Jones says that maintaining the balance of a horse’s nutrition can help alleviate hoof problems. This includes feeding with high quality hay, supplementing with grain if needed, and providing the necessary vitamins and minerals for the horse.
He added that though many of our horses are not in use in the wintertime, that doesn’t mean that we can neglect their foot care. The maintenance of horse’s feet does vary from season to season, however. In the summer, they should be trimmed or shod every six to eight weeks. Jones added that, “The hoof grows from the hoof head down at a rate of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch each month depending on the nutrition, temperature, moisture, and general health. Hooves generally grow more slowly during the winter. Because of the slower growth, trimming interval may be expanded to eight to twelve weeks.”
If the weather is consistently dry, or is frequently changing from wet to dry, the horses are likely to have dry, brittle feet. This can quickly lead to hoof cracks. However, Jones suggests that routine hoof care doesn’t necessarily have to require the use of hoof moisturizers or dressings. Some horses just have more dry hooves than other, but be cautious that the reasons for the cracks aren’t more serious. For example, “Long trimming intervals can allow long toes and the hoof develops hoof cracks due to a lack of support by the hoof wall. Apply hoof moisturizers to the hoof wall during periods of dry weather if the hoof becomes brittle and/or develops cracks. Hoof dressings, if needed, should be applied to the hoof head and top half of the hoof wall,” explained Jones.
Foot polish that is applied for aesthetic reasons should be removed so the hooves can take up water from the environment. It’s important that the permeable hoof wall can breathe and take in water. This maintains the moisture level in the foot. Most importantly, though, in keeping the feet from cracking, is to trim the hooves on a regular basis.
Jones said to be aware of diseases, such as thrush, that can be a threat during prolonged wet periods. Clean and inspect the hooves daily and keep the horse's bedding clean while providing a dry place for the horse to stand. These practices can prevent thrush. Sometimes regular trimming and treatment with lime, copper sulfate or hydrogen peroxide are helpful if thrush persists.
Jones concluded with, “Hoof care isn’t necessarily time-consuming, it’s just a matter of building healthy-hoof practices into daily management. Remember: no hoof, no horse.”
