Essential Tips for Proper Hoof Care

Hoof care is essential for all horse owners. February is international hoof care month, so there’s no better time to supply you with the tools of proper hoof care. If your horse’s hooves are not properly maintained, it can cause issues like thrush, cankers, and infections. Our guide will give you a quick rundown to keep your horse in tiptop shape all year.

Keep those trims scheduled.

Routine hoof trimming is necessary for the removal of excess horn from an animal's hooves, ideally within a 4-8 week cycle. This ultimately prevents lameness, ensures even weight distribution, and maintain good foot and hoof health.

During winter months, horses usually grow less foot, meaning they can tolerate longer trimming intervals. Some horse owners tend to wait longer to schedule a farrier visit for hoof care, but waiting more than eight weeks could be a mistake. A proper trim reduces flare and keeps the bars of the foot maintained, preventing white lines from overstretching. If you wait longer than eight weeks, your horse could have an excessively long toe, and will cause an imbalance.

Hoof Cleaning is just as essential. This regular task of picking out dirt, mud, rocks, manure and other debris from the sole, frog, and grooves of an animal's foot is important for clearing debris so spot thrush, cracks, or bruises early, as well as preparing the foot for a safe trim. Done daily or before any hoof work.

Get an experienced horse farrier.

We mentioned the importance of hoof trimming in the previous section. When it comes to hoof care, you don’t want to “horse” around. An experienced farrier will not only trim the hoof but will also take the time to examine it for cracks and white line stretching. The cracked hoof can cause an abscess formation, which is quite painful for the animal. An infection like this can cause the horse to become sick quickly, so your farrier will know if anything needs medical attention. You want the proper topicals to help keep the hoof from cracking during drier seasons. Your farrier will also check for thrush in the clefts of the hoof. Those are the black secretions that have a terrible odor.

Use the proper shoes.

Some horses will be fine with regular horseshoes, but some may need modifications. Talk to your farrier about the best options for your animal. Some hooves require surgical shoes with removable plates or braces, so choose the right features to keep your horse comfortable. Different breeds and sizes have various requirements, and things can change depending on the situations. You also don’t want shoes left on for too long, as they can become loose when the nail heads wear down.

Horse hoof boots are also a great way to protect your horse's legs and hooves. Hoof boots help promote healthy hooves by allowing for hoof expansion and contraction and increased blood circulation. Simple boots and hoof shoes are great for comfort of chronic pain and hoof sensitivity.

Maintain good nutrition.

Don’t neglect a proper diet for hoof problems. Always feed your horse quality hay and supplement with vitamins and minerals. Horses need access to clean, fresh water. When you correct any nutrient deficits, your horse’s hoof health will gradually get better.

Your veterinarian will help you with a diet plan that works to keep the horse healthy and free of hoof issues. Research has shown that hoof problems may improve with extra nutrients, like zinc, iodine, and biotin, so talking to your vet is essential for maintaining good hoof care.

For hoof supplements, look for ones with featured ingredients such as biotin, amino acids like Methionine and Lysine, and trace minerals like zinc and copper. These supplements provide essential daily nutrients that fill gaps in a horse's diet to support strong, resilient, and fast-growing hooves. The best hoof supplements are the ones that fit your animal's lifestyle the best, and according to what is professionally advised by your vet.

Specific requirements

Just as with people, horses have different needs. That’s why having a relationship with a skilled farrier is so invaluable. Farriers provide horses with the necessary care for hoof protection and comfort. Remember, as the owner, you’re in charge of your animal’s welfare and daily care. Keeping track of hoof health can prevent future problems and alert you to any issues that need farrier or vet attention.

Get The Necessary Tools for Hoof Care

At Jeffers, you can find essential farrier and hoof care tools and solutions online that can help you provide top quality care. Check out some related recommendations we have for you:

1. Jeffers Thrush Away Hoof Treatment

   Jeffers Thrush Away is a powerful, single-application treatment designed for the prevention and treatment of thrush in horses. This trusted formula helps eliminate thrush quickly and effectively while toughening hooves.

2. White Lightning Hoof Gel

   This gel version of White Lightning Liquid is great for topical treatment without the hassle of mixing! A revolutionary treatment for horses, donkeys, cattle, and pigs. Comes in a convenient squirt bottle for direct topical application.

3. Sav-A-Hoof Spray

   Sav-A-Hoof Spray is an easy-to-use hoof care solution designed to help protect and maintain healthy hooves. Ideal for both preventative care and active hoof management.

4. Fungasol Skin Spray for Animals

   A leave-on, water-based treatment spray with patented Biopolysan technology that contains triclosan and tea tree oil. Fights tough conditions including rain rot, dry flaky skin, wound bacteria, girth itch, dew poisoning, pastern dermatitis, greasy heel and ringworm.

5. Hooflex Therapeutic Conditioner

   A trusted horse hoof conditioner that helps restore and support strong, healthy hooves in a convenient liquid. Regular use will keep the frog, sole, heel and coronary band flexible and healthy.

6. Hoof Heal Nourishing Hoof Dressing for Livestock

   Hoof Heal is a premium hoof conditioner designed to penetrate deeply and deliver powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing benefits. This advanced formula helps maintain the hoof's moisture balance and pliability while allowing essential air circulation. Perfect for keeping hooves healthy and resilient, it’s easy to apply to the hoof and wall coronet band.

7. Jeffers 2-in-1 Hoof Pick with Cleaning Brush

   The Jeffers Horse Head Hoof Pick & Brush is a practical grooming essential designed to make daily hoof care quick and convenient. This all-in-one tool combines a durable hoof pick for removing packed dirt, mud, and debris with a stiff-bristled brush for cleaning and finishing the hoof surface.

   The vital use of hoof picks like this is to clean packed mud, dirt, rocks, snow, and debris out from the underside of an animal's hooves. Browse these and more at Jeffers' online store.

8. Hoof Boots

   These boots are specifically designed for durability, comfort and fit, ensuring the safety and security of the animal during activities. It generally fits over the hoof, especially for horses, and helps protect the sole and hoof wall from sharp rocks, and hard pavement. Hoof boots are important for assisting horses and livestock from injuries, laminitis, or abscesses as well as aid in medical poulticing and soaking.