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It has been a difficult winter and spring for horses’ hooves, with the nonstop rain creating fields that resemble mud baths.
The knock-on effect of the muddy conditions has seen many horses developing a hoof abscess.
With the summer months on the horizon, the warmer temperatures present a whole new set of issues for hoof health.
Unlike the constant wet conditions, we have recently experienced, the challenge during the summer months is the sudden weather changes, with a typical UK summer consisting of a mixture of warmer temperatures and spells of rain.
During periods of wet weather, which can also include morning dew on the grass, the hoof will expand and soften, weakening the integrity of the hoof making it more susceptible to damage, where as hot, dry conditions cause the hooves to dry out and contract.
This constant fluctuation between wet and dry conditions can lead to loose nails, hoof cracks and abscesses.
As the temperature rises and with reduced rainfall during the summer months, hard ground is another common cause of hoof ailments, such as a bruised sole. The sensitive structures of the sole of the hoof become damaged when the horse stands on a blunt object, such as a stone.
Top Tips for Healthy Hooves in Summer
- Pick out the feet daily, to remove any stones.
- Use a stiff brush to remove any dirt.
- Ensure your horse is seen regularly by the farrier, ideally every six to eight weeks.
- Consider the ground conditions when riding, and avoid hard, stoney ground.
- Feed a nutritionally balanced diet, to support hoof health.
- Ensure your horse has adequate fly protection as horses often stamp their feet to deter flies, causing bruising to the sole of the foot, concussion and cracks in the hoof wall.
Animalintex Hoof Treatment
Suitable for rapid treatment of foot conditions, Animalintex® is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK.
Animalintex® Hoof Treatment is distributed in packs containing convenient hoof shaped dressings, ready for foot poulticing, so there is no need for cutting to shape, making Animalintex® economic and convenient. For further information contact Robinson Animal Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.