Horsey hoofcare this winter - are you managing your horses barefoot?

By Lucy Nicholas - Co-proprietor of The Saddlery Shop, recent winner of the SEIB Internet Retailer of the Year Award (British Equestrian Trade Association, BETA).

I am very interested in barefoot hoofcare, and know that many readers will be managing their horses barefoot as winter continues.

I’d like to offer my top tips on helping your horse or pony to stay sound and healthy: 

 

Diet is key when it comes to equine hoofcare - its especially important in winter! To optimise hoof health, I suggest feeding hay (preferably meadow hay as opposed to lucerne or ryegrass) ‘ad lib’, to maintain the amount of fibre in the gut, ensuring that low-sugar forage forms the largest part of a horse’s diet, and supplementing the diet with key vitamins and minerals (see below).

By providing the correct levels of balanced nutrients, you can potentially prevent problems with sub-standard hooves. Common dietary ingredients to look out for are: Biotin - a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for hoof horn formation; heavy-grade Magnesium Oxide, a mineral ideal for promoting stronger hooves; Methionine - an amino-acid which contains sulphur, an essential element in the formation of the protein substance keratin, the cells of which make up the hoof wall; Calcium and Zinc, minerals which are essential for cell reproduction within the hoof; and MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, an organic, bioavailable (absorbable) form of sulphur. Seek a good quality supplement now with these key ingredients, to give hooves the best chance to thrive.

Cracks and splits tend to be a sign that the hoof does not have sufficient integrity, isn’t being stimulated enough, and that the diet is sub-standard. I find that a diet low in starch and sugar, with balanced minerals and vitamins, almost always eliminates such cosmetic problems.

Do not leave your horse standing in wet conditions – such as soiled bedding - for long periods, as this can weaken the horn. Choose an absorbent bedding and skip it out frequently.

Combat thrush. This bacterial condition involves bacterium destroying the frog and sometimes exposing the deeper, sensitive tissues. Try to maintain clean, dry stable conditions and ensure the horses' feet are regularly attended to by a hoofcare professional. Regularly pick out and brush the underside of the horse’s feet.

Consider hoof boots for barefoot horses - they help boost the bare hoof’s shock absorption properties, and also protect the hoof on sharp, uneven or stony surfaces. 

  

Some horses may experience ‘footiness’ in winter due to the fact they are ridden less (e.g. exercise promotes stronger feet), combined with wetter, softer horn and more abrasive road work. Some barefoot horses will always need to wear hoof boots for concussive surfaces or longer rides, while others quickly transition from being shod and can happily negotiate all terrains. Old Mac's G2 multi purpose horse boots are excellent hoof boots that boast a unique high-tech performance out sole, incorporating the unique hoof suspension system.

Visit our main site - www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk and read our new hoofcare and booting GUIDES.

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