What Should I Put on Dry Horse Hooves? A Farrier's Guide

Farrier advice from Nick Thorne D.W.C.F. professional farrier with over 25 years' experience.

Dry horse hooves are something many owners notice, particularly during prolonged spells of warm, dry weather. The hoof wall can begin to look dry, brittle or flaky, and in some horses you may notice small cracks or chips developing around the hoof.

As a professional farrier with over 25 years' experience, I'm often asked what owners should put on dry hooves and whether hoof oils, dressings or other topical hoof care products actually help.

The answer is that good hoof care is much more complex than simply applying a products. Your horse's environment, diet, hoof quality and regular farrier care all play an important part.

Why do horses' hooves become dry?

Horse hooves naturally contain moisture, but environmental conditions can cause the moisture levels within the hoof to fluctuate.

Long periods of hot, dry weather and hard ground can leave hooves looking particularly dry. Repeated changes between wet and dry conditions can also affect the hoof.

Every horse is different, which is why it is important to look at the whole horse rather than relying one product to solve a hoof problem.

What should you put on dry horse hooves?

For routine care of dry hooves, I prefer hoof care product that helps nourish and support the hoof while maintaining a healthy moisture balance.

This was one of the reasons I developed NRT Hoof Butter.

It combines grapeseed oil and beeswax with carefully selected essential oils to create a rich, butter-like hoof care product that can be incorporated easily into a horse's regular hoof care routine.

Unlike products designed primarily to create a shine, NRT Hoof Butter was developed with practical everyday hoof care in mind.

How often should you apply a hoof care product?

There isn't necessarily one correct routine for every horse.

For horses with particularly dry hooves, a hoof care product can be applied regularly to the outer hoof wall. The frequency can then be adjusted depending on the individual horse, the condition of their feet and weather.

NRT Hoof Butter can also be used on the sole and frog. For general maintenance, we recommend applying it to these areas around once a week.

Always start with a clean hoof so you can properly inspect the foot before applying anything.

Don't forget the basics

No topical product can replace good overall hoof management.

Regular picking out, appropriate nutrition and keeping your horse on a suitable trimming or shoeing cycle are all important for maintaining healthy feet.

Pay particular attention to changes in your horse's hooves rather than simply looking at them in isolation. Cracking, unusual smells, sensitivity, heat, changes around the frog or a sudden deterioration in the hoof quality can all warrant further investigation.

If you're concerned about your horse's feet, speak to your hoof care professional or vet rather than relying on a hoof care product.

A consistent routine is key

Healthy hooves are built over time. There isn't a quick fix for poor hoof quality, but a consistent approach to nutrition, farriery, environment and everyday hoof care can make a real difference.

NRT Hoof Butter was developed from my experience working with horses' feet every day for more than 25 years. My aim was to create a straightforward high-quality hoof care product that horse owners could easily incorporate into their regular routine.

Nick Thorne D.W.C.F.

Professional Farrier

NRT Hoof Solutions