Daily hoof care isn't just a good habit — it's the foundation of a sound, happy horse.
Whether your horse is a top competitor or enjoying a relaxed retirement in the pasture, their hooves need daily attention to stay strong, healthy, and pain-free. By caring for your horse’s hooves every day between farrier or trimmer visits, you can prevent many common hoof problems before they start.
Here is all you need to do to keep your horse standing strong:
Your Day-to-Day Hoof Care Checklist
Pick out the hooves
Always pick hoovesbefore and after riding, or whenever your horse comes in from the field. Remove all dirt, manure, and debris with a quality hoof pick, like theDiamond Hoof Pick. This helps to prevent issues like thrush, bruising, and abscesses.
Apply a hoof dressing
Protect and nourish the horn and apply hoof dressing to avoid cracks and flakes. Ask your farrier for advise about what sort of hoof ointment will suit your horse best.
Inspect the hooves carefully
Inspect carefully and look out for anything unusual such as cracking, bruising or a strong, foul smell. Make sure that all all shoes are still in the correct place, aren’t loose or overly worn, and that the clenches haven’t risen. Feel the frog with your fingers, making sure it's firm but supple (not overly soft or hard) and look at the coronet band for swelling, injury or uneven growth.
Good nutrition and balanced diet
Good hooves start from the inside out! Ensure your horse gets a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Consider adding a hoof supplement with biotin if your horse has limited access to grass or if your farrier recommends it.
Everything you need for quick and easy hoof care every day:
Wet or muddy conditions increase the risk of thrush and soft soles. In dry, hot seasons, cracking becomes a bigger concern.
Barefoot horses need just as much daily hoof care:
Don't be mistaken; even if the horse does not wear horseshoes, it is crucial to check, clean and care for the hooves every day.
Barefoot horses need just as much daily hoof care:
Don't be mistaken; even if the horse does not wear horseshoes, it is crucial to check, clean and care for the hooves every day.
Know your horse's "normal" and partner with your farrier:
Hoof shape, frog feel, sole texture... knowing what's normal for your horse helps you spot issues early when something is "off." In addition regular feedback helps your farrier or trimmer tailor their work to your horse’s needs.
Surface changes affect hooves:
Hooves adapt to surfaces. Sudden changes can cause bruising if you're not checking carefully.
HOOFJACK
THE ONEFOR FARRIER, VET, BAREFOOT TRIMMER AND HORSE OWNER
Tried. Tested. Thrusted.
The best friend of every one involved with hoofcare in the horse stable. Whether you are a farrier, vet, barefoot trimmer or horse owner, the Hoofjack is the one hoof standard that gives every hoof care giver the support they need for daily hoof care, treatment, shoeing, bandaging and more.
Hoofjack is part of the Kerckhaert House of Brands. A house that is built with a range of powerful and original brands of horseshoes, nails, farrier tools and accessories. It offers farriers the advantage of one dedicated partner offering the most specialized brands and products in their market. It serves as a convenient one-stop-shop, supplying all the essentials for high-quality and professional work.
