Each season brings its own challenges, both to us and to our four-legged companions. From super dry summers to exceptionally soggy winters, it can sometimes feel like we can’t win. Adapting your horse’s hoof care regime is vital to ensure hooves stay strong and healthy, no matter what the weather throws at us.

Spring Showers

The first signs of spring often bring a sense of hope of brighter times to come, signalling the end of winter. But it can come with its own challenges such as rainfall and muddy pastures.

Challenges 

• Excess moisture can weaken hoof walls and soles
• In wet environments, bacteria can thrive and grow, increasing risk of conditions like thrush
• Spikes in grass can lead to increased laminitis risk

Care Tips

• Ensure that your horse has access to dry standing
• Pick feet out regularly
• Keep up with regular trimming
• Rotate fields or add matting to reduce constant exposure to mud
• Consider using products that help to balance moisture or have natural antibacterial properties such as Better 4 Hooves Care & Shine

Scorching Summers

Summer sees longer days and temperatures rising, which can cause hooves to become brittle.

Challenges

• Dry, brittle and cracked hooves
• Hoof wear from hard ground
• Increased sweating and dehydration can alter moisture balance in the hoof and compound issues

Care Tips

• Avoid prolonged exercise on hard terrain
• Ensure your horse has adequate access to water and shade
• Regularly inspect for cracks and chips
• Apply a hoof moisturiser or oil, such as Healthy Hoof Dressing, to help maintain moisture balance and prevent excessive drying

Awkward Autumns

It can be difficult to manage in autumn. Temperatures start to drop and rain returns, with the odd unseasonably warm day. These fluctuating weather extremes come with additional risks.

Challenges

• Hoof stress caused by fluctuating moisture levels
• Mud, debris and mulch can increase risk of bacterial infection
• Decreasing activity levels can contribute to poor circulation in the hoof

Care Tips

• Ensure that your horse has access to dry standing
• Pick feet out regularly
• Keep up with regular trimming
• Rotate fields or add matting to reduce constant exposure to mud
• Consider using products that help to balance moisture or have natural antibacterial properties such as Better 4 Hooves Care & Shine
• Keep up with regular exercise to promote healthy blood flow

Windy Winters

Temperatures drop, adverse weather sweeps in, including icy and hard ground.

Challenges

• Decreased activity levels can contribute to poor circulation in the hoof
• Frozen and hard pastures can increase stress on the limbs and hooves
• Long periods of time indoors with dry and absorbent bedding can naturally reduce moisture levels
• Ice and snow may compact into the sole and cause discomfort

Care Tips

• Regular farrier visits
• Using hoof conditioning products to maintain correct moisture levels
• Provide safe walking areas free of ice and hard packed snow where possible
• If you live in an area where snowfall is common, consider snow pads or specialised shoes to prevent ice buildup in the hooves

Best Practices

Throughout all seasons, there are some common practices that are the foundations for maintaining hoof health year-round. There are;

• Keep up good hygiene by cleaning out hooves and inspecting for injuries and abnormalities
• Prompt treatment of any issues that may arise alongside your vet and farrier
• Maintain a good schedule with your farrier to keep hooves balanced
• Feed a balanced diet fortified with biotin and other hoof nutrients, read our Hoof Nutrition article.

Here at Better 4 Hooves we are passionate about helping you to keep hoof health solid, no matter the season. From well-rounded supplements providing optimal nutrition to topical hoof care, we’ve got you covered.

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