Hoof Care in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Seasonal Protection Guide 🐎🦶
In this article
Hoof Care in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Seasonal Protection Guide 🐎🦶
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
The old saying “no hoof, no horse” holds just as true in 2025. Without healthy hooves, horses can’t perform, compete, or even remain comfortable. Hoof care is a year-round job that must adapt to weather, footing, and the horse’s environment. From dry summer cracking to wet winter bruising, this comprehensive guide explains how to manage hoof health through every season with effective, vet-backed strategies.
How Environment Affects Hoof Health 🌦️
Summer: Dry and Brittle
- Dry conditions (especially June–August in regions like Texas) lead to hard, brittle hooves.
- Hoof growth slows, and walls and soles can dry out and separate.
- Sand or dirt becomes lodged in the separated hoof wall, eventually breaking it out.
- This causes the horse to bear weight on the sole rather than the wall—leading to bruising, abscesses, and hoof cracks.
Winter & Fall: Wet and Soft
- Moisture swells the hoof, causing it to flatten and soften.
- Increased wetness leads to hoof wall separation, white line disease, and a risk of nail loss from shoeing.
- The repetitive wet/dry cycle (e.g., dew in morning, dry in afternoon) weakens hoof integrity—like layered plywood delaminating.
Common Seasonal Hoof Problems ⚠️
- Hoof cracks and wall flaring
- Abscesses and sole bruises
- White line disease
- Thrush or canker (in prolonged wetness)
- Shoes loosen or are lost due to wall separation
Summer Hoof Care: Hydration is Key 💧
- Use lanolin-based moisturizers (e.g., Hoof Maker, Valentines Dressing) to add hydration
- Apply to both wall and sole every other day
- Avoid oil-based products—they prevent natural hoof respiration
- Maintain regular trimming—even if growth slows—to prevent imbalance and chips
Winter Hoof Care: Dry & Seal 🧴
- Keep horses out of standing water, mud, or wet pastures whenever possible
- Use drying agents like Durasole to toughen the sole and wall
- Apply a hoof sealant to preserve moisture balance and protect from wet/dry cycling
- Clean hooves daily—especially the frog and white line areas
Beware the Pond & Overflowing Trough 🧠💧
Letting horses stand in water or “watering” hooves does not help. It mimics the dangerous wet/dry cycle and leads to:
- Cracking and flaring of the hoof wall
- Premature shoe loss
- Thrush or fungal infections
Trimming & Shoeing Tips for 2025 🔧
- Trim consistently: Maintain a 4–6 week schedule
- Don’t wait for chips or cracks to show—early signs may not be visible
- Work with a farrier and vet together if dealing with chronic cracks or abscesses
- Raise shoe nail placement carefully when wall is thin or damaged
Case Example: Seasonal Hoof Crisis
- During a dry Texas summer, a mare's hoof dried out, cracked, and began to flare
- The owner attempted to "water" the hooves by soaking with a hose
- This created a wet/dry cycle that worsened wall separation
- The mare lost a shoe and developed an abscess after walking on the sole
- Veterinary care and consistent use of lanolin-based moisturizer and hoof sealant restored hoof balance
Do’s and Don’ts Summary 🧾
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Apply lanolin-based hoof moisturizer in dry weather | Soak hooves in troughs or hose water |
| Use sealants during wet seasons | Use oil-based or non-respirable coatings |
| Trim every 4–6 weeks | Let hooves go months between trims |
| Keep horses on dry footing | Allow standing in wet grass, mud, or ponds |
FAQs About Hoof Health
Q: How often should I clean my horse’s hooves?
A: Daily—especially during wet or muddy seasons. Clean and check for cracks, thrush, or heat.
Q: Is going barefoot better for hoof health?
A: It depends. Some horses thrive barefoot, others need protection. Your farrier and vet can help assess based on terrain and work level.
Q: Should I apply moisturizer and sealant at the same time?
A: Not typically. Apply moisturizer in dry weather. Use sealant during moisture-heavy conditions, not together unless directed.
Conclusion
Your horse’s hooves are the foundation of their performance and comfort. In 2025, seasonal hoof care is more than just trimming—it's about managing moisture, applying the right topical products, and understanding the environmental effects on hoof structure. By adjusting your care routine throughout the year and working closely with your vet and farrier, you can prevent abscesses, cracks, and costly lameness issues.
Need custom hoof care recommendations? Reach out to Ask A Vet via AskAVet.com or through our app 📱 for support from Dr Duncan Houston and our farrier-savvy team. 🩺🐎
