Whilst we are blessed with an amazing cohort of talented farriers nationwide, a constant evolution of knowledge can quickly overwhelm us with what to do between those visits!
Here are our top tips for keeping your horses’ hooves healthy:
Clean hooves as regularly as possible
It sounds basic, but it is a common part of the grooming routine that gets forgotten! Picking out hooves frees them of any build up, debris or foreign objects that not only release the pressure of the soul and around the frog but may prevent said foreign objects from becoming lodged or causing further ailments, such as an abscess or stone bruise. Hooves should be picked out before and after exercise, before and after turnout, or, for paddocked horses, on as frequent basis as possible (daily is ideal!).

Know what is normal, and what isn’t
Monitoring our horses’ hooves, and keeping up to date records, is the best way to identify early signs of abnormalities. Just as we monitor our horses daily (or as some of us are guilty of, hourly!) for any signs of ill health or condition, there are a number of hoof specific aspects to check:
- (If shod) are all the shoes on and secure?
- Are there any signs of thrush, seedy toe or greasy heel?
- Is there any abnormal heat coming from the hoof?
- Digital pulse, is it normal or raised?
- Is there any swelling in the leg or joints?
- Are there any signs of lameness or an irregular gait?
- Is the horse weight bearing evenly on all feet, and in a regular balanced stance?
- Are there any signs of trauma / accidents that have happened since your previous check?
- Are there any developments of cracks?
As with your vital sign and general impression checks, the more you do them, the better you become at establishing a baseline for normal. Afterall, every horse will be slightly different! It is good practice to keep records, whether they are written or even photographic, to refer back to for both normal and abnormal observations.
Dress your horses’ hooves for the occasion
Dressing our horses’ hooves covers various meanings:
- Hoof oils, greases, and creams
Applying an oil or grease can quickly make our horses’ hooves look more appealing to the eye, and honestly often make us, the owner, feel like we have ticked that box! However, it unfortunately is not quite that simple. Like our own nails, horses’ hooves can stretch and swell with moisture, and contract with dryness. Changing between these states frequently can cause a higher risk of hoof damage, especially if shod.
- Hoof boots, bell boots
If you are planning exercise or training, you may like to consider the use of hoof boots or bell boots to suit the conditions. Often with horses that tend to overreach, the use of bell boots in training can save them from the accidental yet painful act. Furthermore, hoof boots, which are increasingly popular, can assist when your exercise or training may be venturing terrain less travelled by your horse. Whether it be for terrain with prominent “debris”, rough surfaces, slippery surfaces, or perhaps hard footing, a hoof boot can provide your horses’ hooves with adequate physical protection.
- Poultices and medical boots
In the cases that your horse hooves may need medical attention, dressing appropriately will make significant contributions to the recovery speed. Poultices, secured with Elastoplast and/or bandaging are used for drawing out hoof abscesses. Medical boots of varying sorts (neoprene, rubber) can be used in conjunction to protect bandaging, or independently to address other issues, such as keeping a clean hoof in muddy conditions.
Adequate nutrition
There is a significant element of hoof health that comes from the inside out. Most predominantly is the presence of adequate Biotin in the diet, but there are several other co-factors that are also essential to hoof strength and structure. These include the likes of Gelatin, Sulphur, Methionine, Choline, Zinc, Magnesium and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). Many of these nutrients work both independently and collaboratively to support the hoof and its connective tissues. Whilst traces of these nutrients may be found in a typical ration, supplementation is the best way to provide confidence that these nutrients are received in a reliable and bioavailable supply each day.
Products such as Ranvet’s Hoof Food PELLET combine these nutrients for an 8-in-1 palatable pellet, that can be simply added to the daily ration.
Additional to providing the correct nutrients for hoof health, is providing a sufficient diet to suit your horse’s overall health needs. Horses that are fed rations inappropriate for their needs, whether they may be too high in sugar and starch, or promote a BCS (body condition scoring) that is unhealthy, can see the consequences expelled in the hooves. If you are unsure if your horse’s diet is right for their specific needs, consult a equine nutritionist by submitting your ration for a free diet evaluation.

Regular farrier attendance, and follow up
It goes without saying: keeping your farrier visits up to date is key! Whilst 6-weekly checks are the rule of thumb, there must of course be an element of flexibility, as every horse is different! Horses with specialty shoeing may require more frequent visits, whilst those just on barefoot trims, may be able to do 7 or 8 week cycles. Our horses’ shoeing cycles may also change throughout the year, with shorter cycles over spring and summer often the case. Be attentive with your farrier’s work, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! If they leave you with instructions or feedback, take it on not as a criticism, but as an activity you can do to help achieve the healthiest hooves for your horse. Of course, should your horses hooves also require veterinary attendance, inform your farrier and provide a collaborative environment between all professionals involved.
This article was written in conjunction with Ranvet. You can find out more about their Hoof Food PELLET here.