Between Farrier Visits — Hoof Care Tips

Your farrier typically visits every 4–6 weeks (or 6–8 weeks for barefoot horses). In between those visits, the hoof is growing, the shoe is wearing, and the internal structures are constantly adapting to work and environment. Daily care from you makes an enormous difference: it prevents infections, catches early problems, and supports the good work your farrier does. This guide covers what you can do every day to keep your horse's hooves healthy.

Pick out your horse's feet at least twice daily—ideally once in the morning and once in the evening. This takes only 5–10 minutes per horse and is the single most important thing you can do between farrier visits.

• How to pick: Use a hoof pick, starting from the heel and working forward, removing all dirt and bedding from the sole and frog. Be gentle around the frog—it's sensitive tissue.
• What to look for: While picking, watch for discharge, heat, cracks, or anything that looks abnormal. The daily pick gives you a chance to notice changes early.
• After work: Always pick feet after riding, schooling, or turnout to remove dirt and prevent trapped moisture.
• In wet weather: Pick feet more frequently in mud or rain. Waterlogged hooves soften and are prone to thrush (frog infection).

Once or twice a week, give your horse's feet a proper clean. This prevents buildup and infection:

• Soak the feet: If your horse stands in water (a water trough, stream, or bucket) for 10–15 minutes, it softens the hoof and flushes out dirt naturally. Many horses enjoy this and it's excellent for hoof health.
• Scrub the sole and frog: Use a stiff brush while the hoof is wet. Brush from the heel forward, removing debris and dead tissue from the frog. This prevents thrush.
• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure the hoof dries. Constant moisture encourages fungal and bacterial infection.

Growth and wear: The hoof grows continuously. By 4–5 weeks, the toe may be noticeably longer. Watch for changes in how your horse lands and moves.

Shoe condition: Look at the underside of the shoes (if shod). If they're worn thin, bent, or one is more worn than others, mention it to your farrier.

Hoof balance: If one hoof looks obviously different from the others—one side higher or lower—report this. It can affect movement and comfort.

Cracks: Small surface cracks are normal, but watch for cracks that grow or deepen. These may need attention before the next routine visit.

Stable bedding: Keep bedding clean and dry. Wet bedding encourages thrush and other infections. Remove wet patches daily and add fresh bedding.

Stable drainage: If your stable floods or stays wet, hooves will suffer. Good drainage is essential.

Turnout footing: Avoid deep mud if possible. Mud is wet, unstable, and hard on hooves. Ideally, provide well-drained pasture with good grass cover and shelter.

Hard ground: Very hard, dry ground can cause concussion and stress. Mix hard and soft ground in turnout if you can.

Shelter: Provide shelter from extreme rain. While hooves need moisture, constant waterlogging causes problems.

Protein and amino acids: The hoof needs protein to build strong tissue. Ensure your horse has adequate feed—good pasture grass, hay, and supplemental feed as needed.

Minerals: Hoof quality depends on minerals, especially biotin, zinc, and copper. If your horse has poor hooves, discuss supplementation with your vet or farrier. Biotin supplements take 6–9 months to show effect, so don't expect immediate results.

Consistent feeding: Major diet changes can affect hoof quality. If you change feed, do so gradually and expect temporary changes in the hoof.

Water: Good hydration is essential for hoof health. Ensure fresh water is always available.

Common issues: Thrush (frog smell and decay) usually improves with regular cleaning. A loose shoe needs urgent attention. Dry, brittle hooves in very dry weather can be helped with soaking and good feed. If your horse is suddenly lame, check for heat and punctures, and contact your farrier or vet immediately.