There is one factor in which horses owners wish we had control; the weather!
Each season brings new challenges for our horse’s hooves, but it’s possible to take it in stride by having the help of specially designed products, careful management and the support of your farrier. First, it’s good to understand how these weather conditions can affect your horses’ hooves.
Wet or Humid
- Softening hooves due to rain and mud
- Increased risk of thrush and other bacterial infections
- Loss of shoes due to softer hoof wall
Hot or Dry
- Hooves drying out and becoming dry and brittle
- Loss of flexibility in the hoof due to dryness
- Higher risks of cracks due to dry conditions
Cold
- Increased stress on the limbs and hoof due to hard ground
- Poorer circulation in the hoof due to lower activity levels
- Snow and ice compaction in the hoof causing discomfort and imbalance
- General risk of injury due to slipping
What can I do to help?
Your care plan will need to shift in line with seasonal changes but there are good care practices that can help no matter the season. Ensuring your horse keeps in a good routine with the farrier and has access to good nutrition will lay the foundation.
Hoof dressings can be an excellent tool to use, both in wet and dry conditions.
- Dry and hot conditions – Our Healthy Hoof Dressing is ideal for summer conditions or hard ground – it deeply hydrates the wall and sole and supports healthy, balanced horn growth
- Wet conditions – Our Care & Shine balances moisture in both wet and dry conditions. It also helps to prevent bacterial build up with natural antibacterial properties.
Gareth Denner 5*
Glad to have this magic hoof oil back. It really does do a fantast
