Are “boutique” hoof oils/grooming potions better than the big brands?

[fredflop]

To expand on the title...

Is a more expensive hoof oil, such as this one https://www.forelockandload.com/product/pop-equine-hoof-boost-oil-tea-tree-500ml/

any better than the bog standard Lincoln/gold label hoof oil

https://lincolnhorsecare.com/product/lincoln-classic-hoof-oil/

what about other grooming potions?

 

[AdorableAlice]

To quote my farrier,

the quality of the foot is dependent on the quality of the diet, and seasonal weather changes, painting the foot pleases the owner.

 

[tallyho!]

Well said AA.

There is an abundance of hoof research so if you like hooves I would do some googling.

Look I don't mind a bit of shine for showing but I wouldn't use hoof oil for any of those mad claims. Personally, I would spend £17 on some decent hoof building minerals from reputable companies.

Is it thrush you want to deal with?

 

[Red-1]

I do agree that the foot stems from nutrition, trim and the appropriate stress/work you put it under...

but...

I really rate this hoof dressing...

http://equiworldlimited.co.uk/tackshop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=139

My past few horses have been barefoot and they do a barefoot one that really seems to keep them strong and crack free at times of stress and increasing work load (although the Sport one is the one I now use).

I believe that hooves need protection from constant wet then dry cycle that many have with being in at night and out in the day. I also like protection to sole and frog from urine/poo when they are confined in a stable. Mine are painted morning and night, inside and out.

 

[Griffin]

I use Red Horse products for treating thrush and to pack any small holes. I really rate their Sole Cleanse, it's excellent.

However, hoof health ultimately comes from inside, so if I want to see long term hoof improvement, than yes, I would have to look at diet.

 

[Goldenstar]

Healthy correctly fed horses have the best feet they can ,however I only use and really rate Silverfeet.

 

[PoniesRock]

Have to say, the best thing I’ve ever used on hooves that need moisture to help with cracks or anything like that is 30p lard from Tesco. But I agree with the others that all round good quality hoof growth comes from a decent diet.
I prefer to use a grease on hooves rather than a oil to make them look pretty. Lincoln do a nice black grease which I like.

 

[SOS]

As for other grooming potions, I’m yet to find a shine spray which doesn’t coat them in silicone/make dust stick to them. Elbow grease, regular hot clothing and baby oil for outings is my go to. As with hooves the ultimate good coat comes from within.

 

[brighteyes]

Never use it except on the rare occasion they have a head-to-toe smarten up session. IMO it does no useful good.

For thrush I made up a paste of Sudocrem, zinc oxide and copper sulphate powders and shredded cotton wool face pads. Clean the foot with dilute bleach and pack the paste in the sulci after drying the foot.

 

[NinjaPony]

I spray my boys frogs 1x a week with a cheap hoof disinfectant spray to keep thrush away, so far so good.

 

[wiglet]

I agree, first and foremost, a good quality diet will make for strong, healthy hooves.
That said, I do use Silverfeet or Kevin Bacon 3-4 times a week on my girls feet because we are on very sandy land and and it has a real drying affect on hooves.

 

[tallyho!]

As for other grooming potions, I’m yet to find a shine spray which doesn’t coat them in silicone/make dust stick to them. Elbow grease, regular hot clothing and baby oil for outings is my go to. As with hooves the ultimate good coat comes from within.

Coconut oil.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I use water to keep them moist in the summer if its really dry, and spray the inside of the hoof with tea tree oil and eucalyptus a few times a week, hoof oil is a waste of money really I don't even use it at a show baby oil gives them a nice shine.