Products for Horses’ Hooves
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Do you spend hours considering products for your horses’ hooves, wondering which ones would be best to use? This product feature takes a look at a selection of products we have used (and continue to use) as an effective way to maintain a healthy hoof.
Factors affecting hoof health
Hard, dry ground compromises the horse’s hoof health, as much as wet, saturated fields. Whether the hoof is shod or not, cracks can appear without warning, which can increase in size very quickly.
Old nail holes can further cause weakness in horses’ hooves, as much as an unshod hoof continually pounding on dry and uneven ground. Regular visits from the farrier, every 6 – 8 weeks, are essential in maintaining quality, the correct length, and the angle of the hoof. Whether this is for a horse who is barefoot or one with shoes, it is essential to keep up with these types of appointments.
Other factors contributing to hoof quality include breeding, age, and pre-existing damage. Nutrition also plays a significant role in the quality of hoof horn growth with the average hoof taking at least six months to grow out.
Feed and Supplements
Changing feed or adding a supplement is one of the most common ways used to improve the quality of horn growth. Adding, or removing feed should be done slowly so the horse’s digestive system is not upset. An upset digestive system can cause the horse to be uncomfortable, leading to unwanted behaviour and health problems.
Feeds such as Dengie Healthy Hooves are a complete way to make sure horses’ nutritional requirements are being met for quality horn growth. Be sure to weigh your horse and feed the recommended amounts as per the instructions, giving consideration to the horse’s workload, age, type etc.
Dengie Healthy Hooves – Molasses Free
While you may not want to upset your horse’s feed routine, you may choose to add a supplement fortified with Biotin. Using the correct amount according to the instructions saves you from having to change feed types allowing for quicker uptake of nutrients needed for a healthy hoof.
NAF Biotin Plus
Supplements that are fortified with Biotin are well known for improving the quality of horn growth. Biotin Plus from NAF combines Biotin with MSM, Methionine, Zinc and Calcium.
Biotin is classed as a water-soluble vitamin and is a member of the B vitamins family, it plays a part in structural proteins involved when growing the horse’s hoof.
Where to buy:
1.5kg tub £19.64 from Amazon – click here
3kg tub £27.99 from VioVet – click here
Hoof Dressings
Another way to protect the horse’s hoof is to apply an oil-type dressing weekly. The benefits of applying a dressing to the hoof include;
- Replenishes hoof elasticity
- Nourishes the hoof
- Prevents the hoof from becoming dehydrated
We recommend
Kevin Bacon’s Liquid Hoof Dressing is quick and easy to apply to clean hooves. Used several times a week, with the handy brush built into the lid, the oil offers vital protection from the dry weather, helping prevent breakage and cracks to the hoof.
Our thoughts
An excellent way to look after the horse’s hooves during the summer months. Easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. Provides a nice shine without excessive moisture.
Where to buy – 1ltr tub from Amazon
Coronet Band
The horn of the hoof grows from the coronet band, the part where the hoof joins the hairline of the horse’s pastern.
Should the coronet band become damaged, which may be caused by impact, or an abscess rupturing through it, for example, hoof horn can become compromised.
By applying a product that nourishes the coronet band, it can improve the quality of subsequent hoof growth.
Cornucrescine Hoof Ointment can be applied to the horses’ hooves and the coronet band to nourish and accelerate hoof growth. A popular choice by equestrians for many years, the Carr & Day & Martin product is massaged into the area and can be used as part of a daily hoof regime.
Where to buy – 500ml tub from Amazon, free delivery
