Summer Hoof Care: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Horse's Feet Healthy

Summer Hoof Care: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Horse's Feet Healthy

As temperatures rise and the ground becomes drier, your horse's hooves need extra attention to stay healthy and strong. Environmental changes, increased riding time, and varying ground conditions can all impact hoof health during the warmer months. Here's your comprehensive guide to summer hoof care.

Understanding Summer Hoof Challenges

Summer presents unique challenges for hoof health. Hot, dry conditions can cause hooves to become brittle and prone to cracking, while sudden summer storms (whilst not very often!) create rapid moisture changes that stress hoof structure. Additionally, increased riding time on hard, dry ground can accelerate wear and tear. So, it is important to ensure horse's hooves stay healthy and strong, which can be accomplished with a basic hoof care routine and supplements and topical treatments, if extra support is required.

Basic Summer Hoof Care Routine

Regular Cleaning
Daily hoof picking and cleaning is essential for keeping hooves healthy. Clean hooves thoroughly, paying special attention to the frog and sulci (grooves). Pay particular attention to sand and manure build up, as well as any stuck small stones. Remove all debris and check for signs of infection or abnormalities.

Moisture Management
One of the biggest summer challenges is maintaining proper hoof moisture. Hooves need some moisture to stay healthy, but too much or too little can cause problems. Consider these moisture management strategies:

- Using hoof dressings judiciously – apply to the hoof wall and coronet band during extremely dry conditions, but avoid over-application which can cause dependency. Our best selling hoof ointments include;

• Keratex Hoof Gel
• Kelato Hoof Prime Dressing
• NRG Stride Hoof Dressing

- Creating designated wet areas (such as small pools or wet spots) where horses can self-regulate their hoof moisture

Professional Care

Regular Farrier Visits
Maintain a consistent farrier schedule, typically every 4-6 weeks. Summer's varying conditions might require adjusting this schedule. Pro tip: As summer hooves are HARD, it is worth hosing your horse's legs and hooves at leat 30 minutes prior to your farrier's arrival. This will make it easier for your horse's feet to be trimmed - a win for your farrier and your horse!

The following should be discussed with your farrier:

• Any changes in hoof growth rate
• Wear patterns that might indicate the need for protective shoeing
• Concerns about cracks or other summer-related issues
• Options for protective solutions during increased summer riding

Veterinary Oversight
Schedule routine veterinary checks to catch any developing issues early. Your vet can also advise on:

• Appropriate supplementation programs
• Treatment for any existing hoof problems
• Preventive care strategies based on your horse's specific needs

Nutritional Support

Feed for Healthy Hooves
A balanced diet is fundamental for hoof health. Essential nutrients include:

• Protein: Critical for hoof structure and growth
• Biotin: Supports horn quality and growth
• Zinc: Essential for keratin production
• Copper: Aids in collagen formation
• Methionine: An amino acid crucial for hoof strength
• Calcium: Important for cellular function in hoof growth

Supplementation Options

Commercial Hoof Supplements
Many commercial supplements combine key nutrients for optimal hoof health. Look for products containing:

• Biotin
• Balanced zinc and copper ratios
• Essential amino acids
• Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus
• B-vitamins for overall hoof health

Our best-selling hoof supplementation products include;

• Kohnkes Own Reboot Hoof+

• Hawthorne Farriers Formula Double Strength Nitro Pack

• Ranvet Hoof Food

• Hygain Dr Biffs Hoofgain 3.6kg

Natural Feed Sources
Incorporate natural sources of hoof-healthy nutrients:

• Lucerne chaff/hay (protein and calcium)
• Linseed (omega fatty acids)
• Fresh pasture (natural vitamins and minerals)
• Rice bran (biotin and other B vitamins)

Environmental Management

Footing Considerations
Summer ground conditions can vary dramatically. Manage your horse's environment by:

• Maintaining good footing in riding areas
• Providing varied terrain for turnout to promote natural wear patterns
• Creating shaded areas where horses can escape extreme heat
• Installing proper drainage to prevent muddy conditions after summer storms

Protection Strategies
Consider additional protection during demanding summer activities:

• Hoof boots for trail riding on hard or rocky terrain
• Bell boots during turnout if your horse is prone to overreach injuries
• Specialised summer shoeing options (discuss with your farrier)
• Limited time on extremely hard or hot surfaces

Long-term Hoof Health Strategies

• Develop a year-round plan that can be modified for summer conditions:
• Keep detailed records of hoof growth and wear patterns
• Document successful treatment strategies
• Maintain consistent feeding and supplement programs
• Build strong relationships with your farrier and veterinarian
• Plan ahead for known challenging periods

Summer hoof care requires a comprehensive approach combining proper nutrition, environmental management, and professional care. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges of summer conditions, horse owners can maintain healthy hooves throughout the season. Remember that prevention is always easier than treating problems once they develop, so stay proactive in your horse's hoof care routine.

The investment in proper summer hoof care pays dividends in your horse's overall health and performance. Regular monitoring, appropriate care, and quick response to any developing issues will help ensure your horse stays sound and comfortable throughout the summer months and beyond.