Your horses feet are their foundation, they spend 99.9% of their time on their feet, if they aren’t healthy then chances are your horse will not be healthy, and could have problems that develop over time.
Over the years I have done hours of research trying to find the best supplement and ways to help keep my horses feet, looking healthy.
Here are some helpful tips to keeping your horses feet happy and healthy!
- Trimming!
Keeping your horses feet trimmed or shod is one of the most important things you could do. During the summer you should get them done every 6-8 weeks, in the winter because they grow slower it is every 6-12 weeks, depending on the hoof growth.
Get a good farrier, someone you trust and knows what to do. Get on a regular schedule and stick to it!!
Know the appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions. If you are working your horse more than 20 mins a day, they will need shoes on at least the front feet.
- Hoof Balance!
Make sure to maintain good hoof balance, horses with good hoof balance will move better. It also is less stress and strain on their tendons, ligaments and bones.
The Ideal foot has a straight line from the pastern all the way down through the front of the hoof wall. The toe should not be too long, it should be either squared rounded or rolled, this allows each step to be easier, too long and it can result in health problems.
- Daily Care!
Every day you should be cleaning out your horses feet. Use a hoof pick and pry away any large pieces of debris, go back over with a stiff-bristle brush to clean off any remaining mud and dirt.
- Diet/Nutrition
Make sure your horse has a good diet, if your horse is not getting enough nutrients or protein it will start to show in more ways than one.
Feed your horse good quality hay, alway make sure they have access to clean fresh water. By correcting your horses nutrition and diet it can lead to improving your horses over all hoof health.
- Do your research!
Do your research first, learn what is in each product learn what is good for your horse and what is not. Some companies have hidden ingredient that are not always the best for your horses over all health, so its important to do your research.
- Know your horse!
Every horse is different. It’s important to pay attention to your horses behavior, listen to them, they will tell you when something is not right. Spend time bonding with them and getting to know who they are. Know what works for them and what doesn’t, sometimes a regimen that works on one horse may not work for another, so make sure to pay attention.
- Expensive doesn’t always mean quality!
Many people think that if they go out and buy the most expensive supplement or product that means it will work the best, however that is not always the case. There are many products out there that are at a low cost and work just as good as the expensive ones.
However, I believe that horses don’t always need these high quality supplements or these fancy products. Sometimes all you need could be right in your pantry.
- Coconut Oil For Hoofs Care!
Keeping your horses feet moisturized especially in the dry heat of the summer is very important. However, you don’t need to go out and buy this high priced product that will “maybe” do the trick. Go to your pantry and grab the item that you use for cooking, yes I am talking about COCONUT OIL!!
Coconut oil is one of the the most versatile products out there. It can be used for so many things. It is used by many for maintaining good health, used for keeping hair healthy and also for your skin keeping it moisturized and looking good. It is not costly and can be found at your local supermarket or online.
How to use for hoofs care: First make sure you have it, go to your local supermarket or if you buy online go through Vitacost, they have a good selection and you can get a-lot for your money.
Once you have it take about a tablespoon and apply to the outer part of your horses hoofs. Make sure to get all around, it doesn’t take a-lot but more won’t hurt. This not only moisturized the hoof but it also gives it a good shin to it. Do this daily and you will start to see a difference within the next couple weeks.
Myth: Is water good for your horses feet?
Water is not good to use on your horses feet. While it may look like they put moister back into your horses hoof, over time water will dry them out. Try to steer away from using water, if you do make sure to put something on after to help keep the the moister on them and help them to not dry out (Coconut Oil).
The key to a happy and healthy horse starts from the foundation, without a good foundation the wellbeing of your horse will slowly start to go downhill, by following these steps you will have a happy horse and with a happy horse means you will have a happy ride.
Thanks so much for reading! If you have any question, or have any thoughts please leave a comment or send me a message, I would love to hear from you!!
XOXO
𝑀𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓃𝒶♥