Daily maintenance of the hoof

Maintenance of horse hooves: good practices

Regular maintenance of the hooves is essential to ensure the good health and well-being of the horse. The following are the main steps to be taken:

1. Daily cleaning

• Curage of hooves : use one foot cure every day to remove mud, stones and other impurities.
• Inspection: monitor bad odours or discharges unusual, which could indicate a rotten fork. The fork, triangular part of the hoof, must be firm.Check the flexibility of the hoof horn. They must be hard but not brittle and not cracked.

2. Hydration and protection

• Adapted hydration: apply a specific fat or oil regularly according to climatic conditions (hydrating in dry weather, drying in wet weather).
• Avoid extreme variations: limit return journeys between dry soil and muddy soil, which weakens the horn.

3. Regular trim and fastening

• Visits by the Marshal Ferrant: Cover the hooves every 6 to 8 weeks to avoid deformations and cracks.
• Selecting the fastener: Depending on the activity of the horse, his lifestyle and the quality of his horn, decide with a professional whether he should be ironed or not.

4. Balanced diet

• Promote a good horn shoot : Provide a diet rich in biotin, zinc and essential amino acids can promote healthy growth of hooves.
• Adequate hydration: always leave fresh and clean water available.

In addition to regular trimming and a balanced diet, these treatments promote healthy hoofs.

5. Maintaining healthy and clean living conditions

Make sure your horse's living area is clean and dry to anticipate sabotage problems such as rotten fork.

Exercise: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy hoof by promoting blood circulation.