Hoof Care

Have you heard of the saying that “no hooves – no horse”? It is true and of great importance when we speak of the basic rules of animal care. If you fail to take care of your animal hoof – no matter a horse or a cow – you are putting their health at risk. Never expect your horse to work well if the hoofs are not in good condition.  

Hoof care demands regular attention – yes on a daily basis. Plus, you need to check the hoof before and after each ride. It is better to make a habit of feeling and checking horse hoof so that you can notice even the slightest issue in it. Plus, every 6 to 8 weeks, you should consult a trained farrier and let him examine your horse hoof in detail. If you let too much time pass between these shoeing or trimming sessions, the hooves become overgrown. Any such situation can be painful for the horse as they put unnecessary strain on joints and tendons. Today we aim to help novice horse owners with horse hoof trimming and care. Here are some important aspects of the matter that you should be concerned about. 

A beginner’s guide to hoof treatment for horses 

Have you thought about the most vital part of a horse’s body? It’s the one that contributes most to their health. Do you think it’s the muscles that allow them to move freely and for hours? Well, we do agree that muscles or mouth play an important role in overall health and performance. Hoofs hold an entirely different position on the list. They are a fundamentally important part of the horse’s physiology. The hoofs make a literal foundation a horse can stand on. Keeping their role in mind, we cannot overstate the overall health of the horse. They absorb all the concussive impact. Thus, it is imperative to offer health protection to these highly responsible yet sensitive parts of your horse body. 

Understanding hoof basics 

Start with understanding the basics. From head to toe, horse health depends on the diet and it applies to hoofs as well. They use the tip of their toes to support their weight. The outermost layer of the hoof is wrapped in a soil nail formation while the tip is harder with a thick covering that is strengthened by keratin. Horse hoofs are just like human nails, and they grow regularly. Hence, they need to be periodically and trimmed adequately so that they do not grow weak and cause splays, chips or cracks. Remember such damages can lead to lameness, discomfort, poor balance and clear performance issues that will eventually lead to permanent damage to the hoof. 

Ensuring proper hoof health  

As stated by the Humane Society of Utah, as a wild horses run through the natural environment, the hooves adapted to the terrain and naturally got worn to a safe level through their exploration. So, it doesn’t need any human efforts or intervention. But the case of a domesticated animal is entirely different. The conditions are unnatural, and thus there is no organic hoof trimming or alignment possibility. Hence the responsibility comes to humans for trimming and shoeing or horse hoofs. Remember the hoof health is determined by factors like horse genetics, environment, activity level and type of nutrition. You can control some but not all. Hence timely efforts are necessary at times. 

The hoof trimming and shoeing 

If your horse has been worked or ridden, we will suggest you use the shoe for protecting the hooves. It is important to find high quality and accurately sized farriers that can trim hoof growth. Professionals are skilled in trimming and shoeing and can clip the angle hoofs. Plus, they can help you apply a shoe perfect for your horse’s size, breed, daily work demands and the environment they work in. Studies from University of Minnesota Extensions suggest trimming hooves every 6 to 8 weeks in summers. However, in winters, the hooves grow slowly, so trimming becomes necessary every 6 to 12 weeks. However, the timing may fluctuate from one horse to another. 

The nutrition and cleaning 

The horse diet plays an important in hoof health. Just like hair and skin, the hooves are made of dermal tissues. So, they require proper nutrients to grow, repair and maintain strength. Hence make sure you serve the horse with quality hay, clean and fresh water with sufficient supplementation of trace minerals and nourishment. Consider nutrients like niacin, zinc, methionine, biotin etc. Whereas Pet Assure suggests regular cleaning of the hoofs – ideally before and after each riding session. Plus, you must use proper horse hoof care products for efficient and harmless cleaning. Such rituals can also help you stay updated with the horse and hoof health.