5 tips for hoof care – user-friendly and effective
Perhaps the saying "No hoof - no horse" tells you! something? That pretty much sums up the topic.
Many horse diseases such as: b. Thrush or hoof ulcers can be best prevented through consistent hoof care. So it's largely up to us to meet our horse's needs. In addition to species-appropriate posture, lots of exercise and extensive horse care, this also includes careful handling of Hotti's legs.
Because: If they stay healthy, we will enjoy our animals for a long time.
You might therefore like our tips for hoof care. They should be of future use to you and, above all, to your loved one.
Tip 1: Regularity
Not only horse care, but also "working" on the horse's hoof should be a daily routine. A good hoof pick is our best friend. With it you can loosen and remove accumulated dirt from the jet grooves almost effortlessly. It also helps to loosen stones that have entered.
In the worst case scenario, these could later cause a hoof ulcer, which can cause your horse severe pain when it occurs. If your hoof scraper has a brush, the sole can be easily brushed out.
Additional tip:
Hang a second hoof pick on the box or gate of the open stable. So it reminds you of your good deed and is ready to hand even if the cleaning box stays in the cupboard!
If your horse runs barefoot, you will both benefit from filing it yourself between trimming appointments. A friendly hoof trimmer or farrier will be happy to show you how to do it right. If you file regularly, you may even be able to save a small portion of the costs. After all, you've already worked properly.
In addition, the hoof horn cannot break off so easily on the outside if the curve remains nicely shaped.
Tip 2: Stable hygiene
Since our domesticated "domestic horses" unfortunately have limitations due to their husbandry, it is even more important that the bedding and runs are kept clean. Otherwise, the ammonia-containing excretions will permanently damage the horse's hoof. Stubborn thrush, for example, is a result of poor stable hygiene.
Tip 3: Fat and moisture
These two components should be balanced. This means that neither a hoof that is too dry nor a hoof that is too wet is good. If you want to find the golden mean, it's not that easy. It would make sense if you do this at regular intervals (approx. every 3-4 days) clean the scratched hoof inside and out with water and a hoof brush.
Huff fat can then be applied. So you killed two birds with one stone. The horse's hoof gets moisture, which stays better in the hoof thanks to the fat from the outside. So: always wash first, then grease! Also, don’t forget the crown edge. Gentle greasing in circular movements supports growth beneficially.
Laurel balm is well suited for this.
Additional tips:
If you add some curd soap or tea tree oil to the washing water, putrefactive bacteria or fungal spores will find it.!
In summer, when it is dry for a long time, you can put wet hoof boots on your sweetheart before grooming the horse (you can buy special ones or you can take small guest towels and close them with a clothespin or rubber band at the back). While you get it ready for riding, the hoof horn can also absorb some valuable moisture.
Tip 4: Movement, movement and more movement
The most important thing for a healthy hoof mechanism, in addition to careful cleaning, is simply walking. If you think about wild horses, this tip will make sense. These outdoor animals do not require a farrier. They take on the necessary hoof care themselves by walking long distances (usually walking!) on a wide variety of surfaces. This stress activates the horse's hoof in a positive way. Abrasion and horn growth complement each other.
So if you want to do something really good for your darling, then meet his need for constant exercise. If your horse already lives in an active or open stable, that's great. If not, you must ensure that long standing times are avoided. In addition to traditional training, a treadmill or horse walker can provide variety and exercise. The biomechanics of the hooves definitely benefit from this.
Tip 5: Recognize and act quickly on horse diseases (here: hoof diseases)
Nothing is worse than not receiving treatment until an illness is already in full swing. If you notice rot, laminitis, spat etc. early on, further consequences can be contained with the help of a farrier/hoof trimmer/hoof orthopedist and constant careful hoof care. As with any illness, quick action can prevent the worst!
Additional tip:
Get smart and always be curious! Your knowledge is not only in demand at school and at work. As a horse owner, rider and animal lover, it is also an advantage if you find out as much as possible about your four-legged friend. In our Animalon magazine, for example, you can always find out interesting information about horse diseases, breeds, care and much more. We are happy to provide this information in order to provide you and your four-legged partner with advice.
Our Animalon hoof care products:
For daily hoof care we recommend the Animalon natural bristle hoof pick and our natural bristle hoof brush.
Thanks to our natural bristles, the brushes are incredibly stable and effortlessly remove dirt and grime from the horse's hooves.
Advantages at a glance:
- Stable natural bristles
- Easily removes dirt on and in horse hooves
- Very practical to use
- Ergonomic shape – no cramping of the hand
- Efficient cleaning of horse hooves
- Long curved metal pick
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