Winter hoof health
The shift from wet to dry conditions as horses move from wet and muddy fields to warm, dry stables, can cause significant changes in hoof health. When hooves are exposed to wet weather, water molecules can infiltrate the horn, expanding small cracks that aren’t visible. Once the conditions dry up, evaporation occurs, leaving these expanded spaces vulnerable to environmental exposure. This can slow hoof growth and make them susceptible to infections, which means that keeping the horn hydrated with a breathable hoof product is essential to maintain its integrity.
Keeping the frog and sole clean is equally important to prevent infections like thrush. Horses with soft soles can benefit from using hoof hardeners that support live tissue while treating decaying areas. However, these treatments don’t need to be applied daily; a few times a week is usually sufficient to strengthen the sole.
Infections such as hoof abscesses tend to become more common during the winter months. Wet conditions soften the hooves, making it easier for dirt or small objects to penetrate the hoof and lead to infections. Abscesses typically develop when foreign materials like dirt or gravel enter the white line (the weakest point of the hoof) or when sharp objects puncture the sole. The resulting infection leads to a painful build-up of pus inside the hoof.
Every horse owner should be prepared to treat abscesses by keeping a well-stocked first aid kit. To treat an abscess, you’ll need to apply a hot, wet poultice. A clean tray and sterilised water with salt should be used to clean the hoof before applying the poultice and a good cohesive bandage and extra padding are needed to secure the poultice in place. Finally, a waterproof layer, such as duct tape strips or a hoof boot, can help protect the hoof.
Other common winter hoof problems
Keeping the frog and sole clean is equally important to prevent infections like thrush. Horses with soft soles can benefit from using hoof hardeners that support live tissue while treating decaying areas. However, these treatments don’t need to be applied daily; a few times a week is usually sufficient to strengthen the sole.
Infections such as hoof abscesses tend to become more common during the winter months. Wet conditions soften the hooves, making it easier for dirt or small objects to penetrate the hoof and lead to infections. Abscesses typically develop when foreign materials like dirt or gravel enter the white line (the weakest point of the hoof) or when sharp objects puncture the sole. The resulting infection leads to a painful build-up of pus inside the hoof.
Every horse owner should be prepared to treat abscesses by keeping a well-stocked first aid kit. To treat an abscess, you’ll need to apply a hot, wet poultice. A clean tray and sterilised water with salt should be used to clean the hoof before applying the poultice and a good cohesive bandage and extra padding are needed to secure the poultice in place. Finally, a waterproof layer, such as duct tape strips or a hoof boot, can help protect the hoof.
Other common winter hoof problems
Thrush
Thrush is a bacterial infection that affects the frog. It thrives in wet, dirty environments, which are common in winter. Mud and manure can get packed into the hooves, creating ideal conditions for thrush to develop, causing a foul odour and black discharge, and if left untreated, it can lead to lameness.
Sole bruising
In winter, frozen or uneven ground can cause bruising to the sole of the hoof. Horses exercising on hard, frozen ground can damage the sensitive tissues inside the hoof, leading to bruises that result in pain and lameness.
Mud fever
Mud fever can affect the skin of the lower legs. Wet and muddy conditions create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to inflammation, crusting, and sores in the affected areas, such as fetlocks and heels. If the infection spreads to the coronet band, it can impact hoof growth.
Cracked hooves
Horses may develop cracks in their hooves due to fluctuating moisture levels in winter. When the hooves are repeatedly wet and then dry, it can cause the hoof wall to become brittle and crack. These cracks may worsen if left untreated and could lead to more serious issues like infections.
Sole bruising
In winter, frozen or uneven ground can cause bruising to the sole of the hoof. Horses exercising on hard, frozen ground can damage the sensitive tissues inside the hoof, leading to bruises that result in pain and lameness.
Mud fever
Mud fever can affect the skin of the lower legs. Wet and muddy conditions create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to inflammation, crusting, and sores in the affected areas, such as fetlocks and heels. If the infection spreads to the coronet band, it can impact hoof growth.
Cracked hooves
Horses may develop cracks in their hooves due to fluctuating moisture levels in winter. When the hooves are repeatedly wet and then dry, it can cause the hoof wall to become brittle and crack. These cracks may worsen if left untreated and could lead to more serious issues like infections.