HORSE HOOF TOPICALS AND CONDITIONERS

General horse hoof care is vital in the development and activity of your horse. A lot rides on them. From its ability to run, jump, ride trails, participate in competitions and interact with you and other horses. However, several factors can affect your horse’s hoofs considerably. From harsh weather, surrounding environment, riding terrain, horseshoes, nutrition, heredity and turnout frequency all have an overall effect of hoof health. 

Often, hoof care is deemed as a time-consuming burden instead of a necessary part of a horse's daily management. There are a large number of horse owners who believe that hoof care is the sole responsibility of their farrier. But there is more to healthy hooves than trims and shoes. Of course, farriers and veterinarians play an important role in the health of all animals. But along with proper trimming and care from these licensed professionals, several factors come into play on the owners’ part. Proper hoof care is driven by nutrition, environment, wound and injury prevention and care, and cleaning. All of which begins with the owner.

There are several signs that indicate good hoof health and care. Some these signs are:

1. The hoof wall is smooth and uniform
2. Hoof hall is free of cracks, rings, flares, etc.
3. Hoof wall thickness is at least ⅜”
4. Hoof wall taper smoothly towards the heel
5. Rubbery, resilient frog that is twice as long as it is wide
6. Frog does not contain any deep cracks

If you see that your horse’s hooves do not look like what is described, then it’s time to take care of those hooves!

There are several magnificent topical and conditioners on the market that work miracles on dry and cracked hooves. The most commonly used topical is Keratex Hoof Hardener. It works on the hooves to strengthen and protect hooves. It will not seal the hoof which allows the hoof to breathe and at the same time function naturally like nature intended. It improves and strengthens the molecular structure of the hoof wall and soles. It works extremely well on poor quality hoof walls and assists in keeping horseshoes on tight. Another added bonus is that is can be used on any other hoofed animals you may own!

The second most recommended product for your horses hooves is Hooflex Plus. It is a pelleted Hoof Supplement and is created by the makers of Absorbine. It is formulated with the highest quality ingredients and is formulated to give your horse (or any hoofed animal) strong and healthy hooves.

There are several other hoof conditions and topical on the market that work remarkably on your horses hooves such as Shur Hoof Dressing Vita-Hoof, Corona Liquified Hoof Dressing, Rain Maker, Biotin 100 Powder, Animalintex , Supershine andContender. All of these great products and many more can be found at an incredibly low price at www.allivet.com.