No hoof, no horse. Daily care is simple: pick out, look and feel. What you then apply to the hoof depends on the ground and the season. This collection contains tools and care products for the hooves of horses and ponies; leave trimming and shoeing to your farrier.
Every day: picking out
Clean the sole and the grooves of the frog with a hoof pick, such as the Excellent Horse Hoof Pick With Brush with its small brush. Watch out for a foul smell from the frog, small stones or a warm hoof. Also check that shoes are still secure.
Which product for which hoof?
| Situation | Product type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, hard hooves in summer | hoof oil or balm | Hoof Oil Plus, Hoof Oil Gel, Hoof Balm with neem oil |
| Wet field or paddock | protective product for sole and frog | Stockholm hoof tar (liquid or spray), Hoof & Sole Gel Pro |
| General protection | conditioning product | Duo Protection Hoof, Hoof Oil Tea Tree |
| Competition or show | gloss or hoof varnish | Hoof Oil Black, glitter hoof varnish, hoof gloss oil |
A brush in a tub or tube makes application easier and keeps your hands clean. A separate choice of oils and balms is in hoof oil and hoof balm.
Tools and aids
A 35 cm hoof rasp (with or without handle) is handy for tidying a sharp edge between farrier visits. The Tubbease hoof boots, in widths from 110 to 175 mm, keep a dressing or ointment in place and clean. The Kerbl claw and hoof bag is intended for this too.
Points to note
A hoof product does not fundamentally change the structure of the hoof; growth and quality come from within and from good hoof maintenance. You can read more about this in hoof and coat supplements. If your horse suddenly goes lame or the hoof is warm, call your vet or farrier. Only rasp the edge; bigger corrections are for the professional.
Related: grooming supplies and leather care. Back to horse care.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use hoof oil?
Follow the product's directions for use. Many owners apply it a few times a week, and more often in dry weather. Apply it to a clean, dry hoof.
What is Stockholm hoof tar?
A tar based on wood tar that has traditionally been applied to the sole and frog, especially for horses that stand on wet ground a lot.
What size hoof boot do I need?
Measure the width of the hoof at its widest point in millimetres and choose the Tubbease size closest to it.