Are Your Horse's Hooves Too Dry Or Too Wet?

Horse owners have limited control over the weather. During certain seasons, it's very wet and rainy. Other times, it's extremely dry and the ground is hard as a rock! This can greatly impact the quality and condition of your horse's hooves.
From fungal infections to severe cracks, the weather has a big influence on your horse.

Hooves That Are Too Dry

Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing very dry conditions. Summer is notoriously for hard ground. This can cause a number of problems for your horse's hooves! They may experience hoof cracking, loose shoes, contracted heels, and general lameness. The hoof looses its flexibility when it becomes dry and brittle.

What can you do? Try a hoof conditioner! This will bring moisture back to their feet. It's not good to soak their hooves, as a constant transition from dry to wet can be damaging.

Too Wet Hooves

On the other hand, in some places it won't stop raining! This means your horse is standing in wet conditions for most of the day. Their hooves can develop icky bacterial conditions like thrush. Because of the excess moisture, their feet are also at risk for sole bruising and becoming too soft.

Here's how you can help them... Create a dry lot with gravel. This way your horse isn't standing in mud all day. You can also bring them into a dry, clean stall. Make sure to have products available to treat any signs of thrush. Daily cleaning and picking out can go a long way!

Ultimately, nutrition is very important no matter what conditions your horse is dealing with. Quality hay and grain can encourage hoof growth and health!