Daily hoof care covers picking out hooves morning and evening (using a hoof pick to clear stones, mud and bedding), checking shoe condition and clinches, applying hoof oil or balm if the hooves are dry, and looking for signs of thrush or other conditions. Weekly checks include looking at hoof balance and farrier visit timing.
Which hoof care products do you stock?
Topical hoof care: TRM Hoof Oil, Effol Hoof Ointment, Lami-Cell Ice Tight, Vetrolin White 'N Brite. Hoof tools: Kentucky Horsewear Hoof Brush, Hoof Pick, Hoof Pencil; Lami-Cell Hoof Knife. Therapy: LPC Tendonil Gel for Horses. Supplements: TRM Biotin (in equine supplements). Bandaging: One Equestrian Bandaging Tape; Pack Horse Protex Animal Poultice Dressing.
How often should I treat my horse's hooves?
Pick out hooves twice daily. Apply hoof oil or balm 2-3 times a week in dry conditions, less often in wet. Schedule farrier visits every 6-8 weeks for shod horses, 8-12 weeks for barefoot. Check daily for signs of cracks, thrush, abscesses or shoeing issues.
What is the difference between hoof oils, balms and dressings?
Hoof oil is typically a light, penetrating oil (often pine-based) for daily moisture support. Hoof balm or ointment is a denser, longer-lasting treatment for dry or cracked hooves. Hoof dressing can mean either, depending on the brand. Poultice dressing (like Pack Horse Protex) is for treatment of specific conditions, not daily care.
Which products help with cracked or brittle hooves?
For external dryness: Effol Hoof Ointment (denser, longer-lasting). For internal nutritional support: TRM Biotin (a feed supplement for horn growth - see equine supplements). For specific cracks or splits, work with your farrier on a treatment plan; topicals support but don't replace good farriery.
How do I care for hooves through wet Irish winters?
Wet winter conditions soften the hoof horn and increase the risk of thrush, abscesses and lost shoes. Pick out twice daily. Don't over-oil - oils trap moisture in the hoof. Check the soles regularly for thrush (black smelly tissue in the central sulcus) and treat early. Talk to your farrier about winter shoeing options if your horse is struggling on wet ground.
