Preventing hoof cracks and dry hooves

Hello! How sensible of you to want to look after your horse's hooves and prevent hoof problems.

The first thing to understand is that most of what we see on the hooves comes from within. A well-balanced ration, including vitamins and minerals, therefore matters: it prevents the deficiencies that lead to poor hoof quality and cracks.

Cracks and other hoof problems can also come from working the horse too much on hard, uneven ground, or from a hoof that is poorly trimmed and shod. So start by reviewing the ration and choosing a farrier approved by Jordbruksverket (the Swedish Board of Agriculture).

Day to day, you can then maintain the hooves by keeping them moist and free of drying mud. I tend to wash the hooves off, either with a hose or with a bucket and brush, and then grease them with any grease of your choice to lock in the moisture from the water. You can use ordinary food-grade rapeseed oil or various hoof-grease products.