Hoof care: daily care and trimming

The hooves carry your horse’s whole weight and absorb the impact of every stride. Regular care (picking out, trimming and suitable products) prevents most problems with the horn and the frog. The old saying “no foot, no horse” is still the best rule. Horn that is too dry cracks; horn that is too soft flares and invites infection.

The daily routine

Picking out is the foundation. It removes mud, stones and debris that encourage infections or abscesses. It also helps you notice sensitivity or an unusual smell early.

1. Pick up the foot and hold it securely, keeping yourself safe.
2. Run the hoof pick from the heel towards the toe, clearing the collateral grooves on each side of the frog.
3. Check the frog: it should be supple, with no strong smell and no soft, rotten areas. A healthy frog feels rubbery.
4. Look at the wall: cracks or crumbling areas deserve attention. Note, too, whether the sole is sensitive to the hoof pick.

Pick out the feet before and after every ride, and at least once a day, even for horses living out. A horse that spends long periods in mud or on hard ground needs checking more often. In winter, mud and frost take a greater toll on the horn.

Trimming and shoeing

Trimming balances the foot and keeps it in the right shape. It’s usually done every 6 to 8 weeks, but the interval depends on how fast the horn grows, the work and the ground. A horse that works a lot on abrasive surfaces wears its feet faster.

• Shod horses: the farrier checks the wear on the shoes and the nails and rebalances the foot. A worn or badly fitted shoe creates strain.
• Barefoot horses: the trim should follow the natural shape of the foot and the ground the horse works on. Some feet adapt very well; others need support more often.
• Foals and youngstock: early trimming helps correct conformation and supports growth.

A good farrier also watches how the horse places its feet on the move. Conformation faults are easier to correct early than late. If you’re unsure about a lameness or sensitivity, consult your vet before putting it all down to the foot. Farriers and vets often work together on these questions.

Choosing care for the season and the hoof

The horn needs a balance between moisture and protection. Too much wet softens it and encourages rot; too much dryness makes the horn brittle and cracked.

• Dry spells (summer, hard ground, dry pasture): hoof ointments or moisturising oils to keep the horn supple. Apply to the wall, and to the sole if it is dry. Avoid very greasy products that attract dust.
• Wet spells (autumn, winter, mud, wet paddocks): drying or protective products (Stockholm tar on the sole and frog) to limit rot. Use tar sparingly and only where it’s needed.
• Thrush: thorough cleaning plus a dedicated antiseptic treatment. Don’t let it take hold: daily cleaning and gradually drying the foot often make the difference.
• Brittle or cracked horn: deep moisturising and, if needed, your farrier’s view on whether trimming or nutrition is involved.

Apply products to clean, dry hooves. Sprays are handy but can startle some horses; a brush is more precise and easier to dose. You’ll find a selection of hoof care products in the shop.

Warning signs

Some changes need professional advice without delay:

• Lameness, even slight, or reluctance to put the foot down on hard ground.
• Unusual heat in the hoof or a strong digital pulse (felt over the digital arteries).
• A black, soft, foul-smelling frog that doesn’t improve with care.
• Deep cracks or separation at the white line.
• Suspected abscess (the horse rests one foot markedly, local heat).

In these cases, call your farrier and your vet. Treatments help, but they don’t replace a diagnosis. For general advice on hoof health, see the British Horse Society’s hoof care guidance.

Hooves and breeding

Good feet make the work easier and support a long career. The farm’s horses for sale are presented on the website. Grooming and choosing tack each have their own article in the guides.

You can recognise a healthy hoof by a supple frog, a smooth wall and a horse that moves freely on any ground. Daily picking out and regular trimming already do most of the work. Products come on top, adapted to the season and the individual horse. Observe, pick out, and don’t hesitate to call in the professionals as soon as you have a doubt.