Hoof Maintenance Practices

Hoof care is essential for a healthy horse. In this guest blog by Benefab by Sore No-More writer, Kate Casale, learn the most common hoof problems, along with simple solutions for prevention and care. 

Your horse’s feet are more important than you think. As owners, we must realize that to maximize the health and longevity of our horses, regular hoof care is necessary. Preventative care is essential when it comes to horse hooves, as well. 

The hooves need basic maintenance performed daily to keep them healthy. Overall care should include cleaning, trimming, and corrections of minor imperfections.

Common Hoof Problems: 

Poor shoeing or trimming:

Long toes can result in strain on flexor tendons, the navicular bone, and collapsed heels. An imbalanced hoof can cause stress on ligaments and joints. 

Thrush:

Thrush is a foul-smelling black exudate usually found around the frog that is associated with wet, soiled conditions. It can invade sensitive tissue and cause lameness. Keep your stalls and barn clean and pick your horses feet daily. 

Abscess:

An abscess is an infection in the sole of the hoof that can lead to lameness. Treatments include removal of the foreign body, soaking the foot, and keeping it clean. 

Hoof cracks:

Cracks are a separation or break in the hoof wall. Usually takes 9 to 12 months for the hoof to grow out

Laminitis:

Inflammation of the sensitive lamina or connective tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone causing disruption in circulation. Overenthusiastic trimming can cause this. 

Tips for healthy hooves:

1. Pick hooves daily 

2. Maintain hoof-friendly conditions 

3. Have a schedule with a farrier 

4. Moisturize hooves 

5. Provide proper nutrition 

6. Avoid excess hosing 

By putting a little extra effort into caring for your horse’s hooves, you can help reduce the chances of lameness and other hoof issues. Sore No-More®’s The Sauce is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial liniment that provides soothing relief to troubled areas while assisting for healing of infections. 

The Sauce is the first herbal sugardine dressing that is great at drawing out abscesses. Simply mix with sugar to create a paste and apply to hoof abscesses as a packing. It is also a safe alternative to use when addressing rain rot, scratches, sweet itch, and other infections and dermal conditions.

In addition, Benefab® by Sore No-More®’s Therapeutic Pastern Wraps can also assist in hoof care by targeting the pasterns. The wraps help harmonize bodily functions safely and naturally stimulate recovery time. 

They are designed to promote blood circulation, increase oxygen flow, and reduce pain and stiffness. The material is breathable with wicking qualities and stretches to allow for ample mobility. 

Check out this testimonial straight from the horse’s mouth: 

"Bought these for my 13-year-old warmblood gelding who has non-articulating ringbone in both front legs. These are the perfect option for him, as they wrap right around the pasterns, fit great, and aren’t bulky or annoying to put on or take off. These fit great, even though he’s a big guyabout 17 hands. He wears them at night when he is in his stall and he seems to walk out every morning loose and happy. Thank you BeneFab for creating this simple gem!!!" -Jayd