​The Ultimate Guide to Hoof Cleaning: Keep Your Horse's Hooves Healthy and Strong

Why Hoof Cleaning is Essential for Your Horse

Horses spend all day on their feet, so it should come as no surprise that they need their hooves cleaned regularly. Think about all the mud, dirt, and stones that get stuck in your boots over time. Now imagine not cleaning your shoes, letting all that debris pile up, and never being able to take your boots off, even when you’re done working. That’s what it’s like for a horse whose hooves aren’t cleaned.

Horses carry us on their backs, and you want to pay proper attention to the hooves that support you both throughout the day. While you can rely on an experienced farrier to handle in-depth cleaning and medical attention, in the time between these visits, you should take the reins on regular horse hoof cleaning. Cleaning horse hooves will ensure that your horse stays happy and healthy and will help avoid serious hoof problems in the long run.

Take a look below at our comprehensive guide to incorporating hoof cleaning into your everyday routine, along with expert tips on maintenance and preventative care measures.

The Importance of Regular Hoof Cleaning

Hoof cleaning is a crucial part of daily horse grooming. It allows you to routinely assess your horse’s health, so you can spot any issues before they become too serious. Plus, regular care and a healthy hoof routine create bonding time for you and your horse.

One of the most important benefits of cleaning horse hooves is that it keeps horses properly balanced, so their hooves land evenly and squarely while walking. You should also check for a straight line from the pastern to the front hoof, as well as adequate heel support.

Without adequate hoof cleaning, your horse will be off-balance on its feet, which can cause:

• Slower movement
• Stress on bones and joints
• Strain on tendons and ligaments

On the more severe side, regular hoof cleaning can also help prevent infection and injury.

Common Hoof Problems and How to Prevent Them

Hoof cleaning and maintenance help prevent both short- and long-term health issues. Plus, if anything is wrong, daily check-ups mean you’ll be able to take action faster.

Without proper grooming and hoof care, horses can develop a range of health problems, including:

• Thrush – A foul odor and black discharge indicate thrush. Over time, this condition deteriorates the hoof and can cause lameness. Keeping your horse out of wet or muddy terrain and ensuring their stalls are dry can prevent this infection.
• Abscesses – Caused by bacteria from stone bruises, punctures, or other infections, abscesses lead to pus buildup and can result in lameness. A hoof soak followed by a dry bandage is typically recommended, but always consult a veterinarian.
• Hot nail – If a horse is shod, nails from the horseshoe can become loose and penetrate the hoof, causing discomfort and increasing the chance of infection.
• Street nail – Hooves impacted by twigs, rocks, or other debris can lead to punctures, known as street nails, which require immediate attention.
• White line disease – Also known as seedy toe, this infection occurs due to a crack in the hoof wall, allowing bacteria to enter. If left untreated, it can lead to laminitis or lameness.

Accidents happen, but regular hoof cleaning can significantly reduce the risk of these issues.

Understanding Hoof Cracks and Their Causes

Another side effect of inadequate cleaning is hoof cracks. While an unexpected blow or fall can crack a hoof, regular hoof cleaning and moisturizing can help minimize the risk.

A well-maintained hoof is less likely to suffer from various types of cracks, including:

• Grass cracks
• Sand cracks
• Bar cracks
• Quarter cracks

Faulty shoeing and infrequent hoof trimming can also cause cracks, as can abscesses, inflammation, and external trauma. If you regularly clean your horse’s hooves and notice chronic or serious cracking, consult a farrier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Horse’s Hooves

With consistent practice and the right supplies, cleaning your horse’s hooves can and should be a smooth, pain-free process. Follow these eight essential steps:

1. Prepare Your Toolkit Your tack room should be well-stocked with everyday grooming necessities. For hoof cleaning, all horse owners need:
   • A hoof pick
   • A stiff brush
   • A hoof knife
   • A conditioner or sealant, like Vetericyn Hoof Care
   • Gloves
2. Secure Your Horse Use a halter or rope to tie up your horse securely. This prevents them from moving and keeps you safe.
3. Position Yourself Correctly Never stand directly in front of or behind a horse while cleaning their hooves. Stand beside your horse’s shoulder, facing their tail.
4. Lift the Hoof Gently but firmly hold your horse’s ankle to signal them to lift their foot. If they don’t respond, apply gentle pressure to the fetlock.
5. Remove Dirt and Debris Use a hoof pick to clear out debris, starting at the heel and moving toward the toe. A stiff brush will help remove any remaining dirt.
6. Inspect the Hoof and Shoes Check for missing nails, loose sections, or risen clenches in shod horses.
7. Apply a Hoof Treatment A hoof care treatment forms a protective barrier against moisture and bacteria.
   Vetericyn Hoof Care penetrates deeply and creates a protective, antimicrobial barrier.
   Hoof Soak – Our concentrated Hoof Soak can be used for horses exposed to poor environmental conditions, such as prolonged rain or mud. This concentrated formula targets harmful microorganisms that build up inside the hoof cavity. Simply soak the hooves for 40 to 60 minutes and leave the product on without rinsing it off.Other hoof treatments you may want to explore include conditioners, sealants, and moisturizers.
8. Repeat the Process for All Hooves Even if some hooves look clean, always perform a full check to ensure their overall health.

Maintain Healthy Hooves with Vetericyn

Regular hoof maintenance is essential for every horse owner. At Vetericyn, we are committed to providing high-quality equine care products to keep you in the saddle and your horse on the trail.

From products that support hoof health to expertly formulated shampoos and liniments, we have everything you need for superior horse care.