Regular hoof care is an important part of maintaining a horse. Cleaning the hoof, conditioning it, and protecting the hoof wall can be part of a routine maintenance program between farrier visits.

The Hoof-it Hoof Care Kit from Barn World uses a simple three-step process with products intended for hoof sanitation, conditioning, and strengthening. The system can be used by horse owners, farriers, and others responsible for routine equine hoof care.

Watch the Hoof Care and Maintenance Video

The video demonstrates the three-step hoof care process and shows how the products are applied. The responsive video format above allows it to resize with the screen, making it easier to view on a phone or tablet without creating horizontal scrolling.

What Is Included in the Hoof Care and Maintenance System?

The Hoof-it Maintenance Kit uses three steps. Each step has a different purpose in the overall hoof care routine.

1. Sanitize the hoof to clean the hoof and address bacteria and other contaminants.
2. Condition the hoof to help condition and strengthen the hoof.
3. Apply hoof strengthener to provide a protective coating over the hoof.

Following the steps in order provides a straightforward routine for maintaining the hoof between regular farrier appointments.

Step 1: Sanitize the Hoof

The first step is applying the sanitizer to the hoof. Cleaning the hoof before applying additional products helps provide a clean surface for the conditioning and strengthening steps that follow.

Hooves regularly come into contact with dirt, mud, manure, bedding, and moisture. Routine cleaning gives the owner an opportunity to inspect the hoof at the same time.

When cleaning a horse's hoof, look for anything unusual such as an object lodged in the hoof, a change in appearance, or an area that appears damaged or painful. Problems that require treatment should be evaluated by a veterinarian or qualified farrier.

Step 2: Condition the Hoof

After the hoof has been cleaned, the second step is applying the conditioner. The conditioner is intended to help condition the hoof and support the overall hoof maintenance routine.

Hoof condition can be affected by the environment. Wet conditions, dry conditions, footing, and the amount of time a horse spends in a stall or pasture can all affect the condition of the hoof.

Consistent hoof care is generally easier to manage when it becomes part of the horse's normal grooming routine.

Step 3: Apply Hoof Strengthener

The final step is applying the hoof strengthener. The product forms a clear coating over the hoof and provides a protective finish.

The strengthener is the final step in the three-part system, following the cleaning and conditioning steps.

Why Regular Hoof Care Matters

A horse's hooves receive a great deal of wear as the animal moves, works, and stands on different types of footing. Regular inspection and cleaning can help an owner notice changes before they become more difficult to address.

Hoof care is also more than applying products. Picking out the hooves regularly gives you a chance to check for rocks, packed dirt, loose shoes, cracks, or other changes that may need attention.

A routine hoof care program should complement, rather than replace, regular professional farrier care.

To make things easy when working with your horses, use a Hoof Stand from Barn World!

Hoof Care Between Farrier Visits

Farrier visits are an important part of maintaining a horse's feet, but there is plenty an owner can do between appointments.

• Pick out the hooves regularly.
• Keep the hoof area reasonably clean.
• Inspect the hoof for changes or damage.
• Pay attention to changes in how the horse walks or bears weight.
• Follow the farrier's recommendations for routine care.
• Use hoof care products according to their directions.

Developing a consistent routine makes it easier to notice when something about a horse's hoof looks different from normal.

Who Can Use a Hoof Care Kit?

A hoof care and maintenance kit can be useful for horse owners who handle routine hoof cleaning and maintenance themselves. It can also be a convenient addition to the supplies kept by a farrier or equestrian facility.

The kit does not replace professional trimming, shoeing, or evaluation when a horse has a hoof problem. Instead, it provides products for routine care between professional visits.

Building a Practical Hoof Care Routine

Hoof care does not have to be complicated. A practical routine starts with picking out and inspecting the hooves regularly. When appropriate for the horse and its hoof condition, a three-step cleaning, conditioning, and strengthening system can then be incorporated into that routine.

Keep the hoof care products in an accessible location along with other grooming supplies. Having everything together makes it easier to maintain the routine consistently.

Hoof Care and Maintenance Kit at Barn World

Barn World offers the Hoof Care and Maintenance Kit along with other farrier and hoof care supplies for horse owners, farriers, and livestock operations.

The three-step system provides a straightforward approach to routine hoof maintenance: sanitize, condition, and strengthen.

For hoof problems, lameness, or changes that concern you, consult a qualified farrier or veterinarian rather than relying on a maintenance product alone.