Winter routines will inevitably have a detrimental effect on our horse’s hooves. Our horses are spending long periods of time either stabled or in wet, muddy fields and both environments will, over a period of time, affect the structure of the horse’s hoof capsule. This routine creates a wet-dry cycle which can cause the hoof to become weakened and brittle if not correctly cared for.
Weakened hooves and damp environments can also increase the likelihood of thrush infections, lost shoes, and uneven wear of the hooves. The horse can also experience bruising or discomfort when ridden or when the ground freezes.
What causes the hooves to deteriorate?
When stabled, bedding materials such as shavings, paper and hemp prevent the free flow of air around the hoof capsule. These materials are also highly absorbent in nature, drying out the hoof at an accelerated rate. Bedding will also inevitably become contaminated with urine; the bacteria present in bedding converts this urine into urea and ammonia which dissolves the natural fats and oils which protect the hoof horn capsule, causing the hoof structure to soften and weaken. The softening and weakening is then exacerbated by wet and muddy fields.
What’s the solution?
Simply picking out your horse's hooves daily while checking the condition of the feet and the security of the shoes will give you an idea of the overall hoof health.
The condition of your horse's bed and stable environment is an important factor if your horse is stood in for hours at a time. The bedding should be kept as clean and dry as possible, helping to prevent any bacterial infections while keeping the feet dry and healthy. If the horse is stood on dirty bedding for long periods of time it will inevitably cause health issues in the long term.
Section your turnout if you can to prevent areas from becoming deep and boggy. Rotating or choosing drier turnout areas removes the need for your horse to stand in mud for much of the day.
Use hoof care products to nourish and balance the hooves. The daily application of hoof dressings will help to counteract issues caused by winter conditions. Many hoof dressings are formulated to strengthen and protect the hooves while containing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to keep the entire hoof healthy. Regular use will help to prevent any infections while maintaining and improving hoof health for soundness and comfort. By anticipating, rather than reacting to the wet-dry cycle, the moisture content of the hoof can be stabilised and the hoof health greatly improved as a consequence.
We recommend…
We recommend Carr & Day & Martin's Cornucrescine Tea Tree Hoof Oil to help support your horse's hooves this winter. This hoof oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal while providing a rich, long-lasting and healthy shine.
Carr & Day & Martin's Cornucrescine Daily Hoof Barrier is also a useful preventative product which, when used every day, builds a one-way barrier to prevent the hoof from absorbing excessive moisture and damaging ammonia, urine and urea. This advanced formulation waterproofs the hoof whilst still maintaining breathability and allowing the hoof to expel excess moisture.
