Hoof Moisture

The hoof is a multi-dimensional structure that undergoes many different forces at the same time. ​This means the hoof must be able to resist different forces acting upon it simultaneously.​ The deeper anatomy of the hoof reveals a complex world of different arrangements and composition of structures that, when combined and in balance, work together to prevent catastrophic failure of the hoof.

 ​

The proper functioning of the hoof relies on high-quality hoof care from your skilled farrier, as well as regular maintenance from you, the horse owner. Keep in mind that your farrier checks the hooves every 6 weeks, and by then, it may be too late to address issues that could have been easily prevented with some basic knowledge and daily attention.

The Hoof:

Keeping things basic, the hoof is made up of 3 basic layers known as stratums, they are known as the Stratum Internum, Stratum Medium and Stratum Externum. Collectively, these 3 layers describe the whole hoof wall, most of the weight borne on the hoof is through the hoof wall.

Stratum Internum: This is the inner most portion of the hoof wall, its primarily the connection between the hard hoof and the sensitive internal structures.

Stratum Medium: This is the main bulk of the hoof wall that contains the three different type of horn that make up the hoof wall.

Stratum Externum: The Stratum Externum is a thin later of waxy and scaly horn that sits on the very outside of the hoof known as The Periople. The Periople has two basic functions.

•   It forms a flexible junction between the hard hoof and the soft skin at the coronary band region and prevents bacteria getting in at this vulnerable section of the hoof (A little bit like your cuticles on your nails).

•  Its second function is to act as a moisture conveyer to keep the horn that makes up the hoof wall strong and nourished. The Periople is made up of keratinised epithelial cells that absorb moisture in the air and on the hoof wall, they feed the moisture up into the hoof which helps keep the horn cells that make up the hoof wall moist and supple. The horn cells of the hoof wall need to be able to hold up a lot of weight (horses are heavy as anyone who has even been trodden on will know). The hoof bends slightly under load. Obviously, the hoof ability to bend requires the wall to be supple otherwise it will crack.

The Basic principles of hoof moisture.

The hoof can withstand all weather conditions. The hoof likes stable and consistent temperature and moisture levels, what the hoof doesn’t like is changes to these conditions, the problem is that planet earth has seasons, these seasons and different weather conditions would be fine if they were consistent, but we all know they are not. Speaking as a farrier from the UK I can say with certainty that the weather can change not only daily but hourly sometimes. The same can apply to temperature also, the hoof likes slow and gentle temperature changes to give it time to adapt. Drying out or sudden exposure to water can play havoc with the hoof capsule.

Plan Ahead.

Spring/ Summer:

The key to avoiding summer dry cracked or split hooves and shelly feet is to try and maintain the same moisture levels, regardless of the external weather and warmth. As a rough guide, when the external temperature exceeds around 12-15 Degrees Celsius, the hoof begins to lose moisture and dry out. By applying a water-based moisturiser, you can slow down this dry out rate significantly. The warmer it gets, the more it needs moisture to maintain the same moisture level. By flattening the dry out rate and maintaining the same moisture levels the less likely you will experience drying and cracking as well as shoe loss. If you apply a moisture giving cream early and not wait until you notice they are dry and cracking, you will prevent many summer hoof related problems. Only applying a moisture giving cream when the cracks appear is too late.

Our Caffeine enriched daily hoof emollient is specifically designed for spring and summer, its essentially a moisture bomb for the hoof and will significantly slow down the moisture dry out rate in the warm months, the caffeine acts as a stimulant around the coronary band to maximise blood flow to this area where the hoof grows. See the photos on our products page demonstrating this in action.

Autumn/ Winter:

The main problem in the colder seasons is excess moisture and water, a submerged hoof capsule will have no option but absorb water/moisture making it expand quickly and split. Temperature and moisture evaporation isn’t a problem in these seasons, it’s the excess water and muddy fields that pose the threat to hoof health.

Our luxury hoof butter is designed for the winter months, not only does it contain some exquisite oils and organic shea butter, it also contains a water repellent that will resist water ingestion. Our butter is a true cosmetic grade organic shea butter unlike a lot of hoof butters out there that are solidified fats. Because it’s a true butter, it behaves like one, it sticks to the hoof very well and is very resistant to harsh environments, in normal conditions we found it only needs applying every 2-3 days, in harsh conditions, very 1-2 days.

Our hoof products have been tailored for individual seasons, yet they are versatile enough to be effective year-round. While one shines in the summer, the other excels in the winter.

Our Farrier finish daily hoof dressing will work all year round. Not only does it supply an outstanding show shine, it contains no fewer than 5 quality oils all chosen for their strengthening and nourishing properties alongside our eucalyptus essential oil that provides a natural anti-bacterial barrier to the hoof.

For a full description of all our products, please visit our Products page. 

To purchase any of our products, please visit our online store.