Hoof oil

[JBM]

Hi was just wondering does every horse need hoof oil? Should I be applying it to prevent any cracks?
Never had any problems but got her over winter and we getting into some nice dry sunny weather so wondering about hoof oil? She has very good feet just making sure ?
Thank you

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Every horse does not need hoof oil. No it will not prevent cracks. Keep the hoof trimmed properly and regularly for that.

Oil can form a barrier that can keep moisture out, so isn't necessarily for dry conditions.

I have noticed that some trimmers will ask owners to soak their horses hooves a bit just before their appointment time if the hooves get really hard, as it can be hard on the trimmer and tools.

Or sometimes people will overfill their water trough every now and again so the horses do stand in some wet.

If the trim, exercise, and nutrition is right, the hoof will mostly just manage just fine on its own with no products or topicals.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I never ever use hoof oil! I think something like a hoof moisturiser would be more beneficial but to be honest I rarely use that either.

 

[PurBee]

It’s a make-up product really.

I know companies make all sorts of claims how brilliant it is for hooves - thats marketing for you!

But in reality - if the horse has the required balanced nutrition, there should be adequate inherent moisture of natural oils in the hoof to keep the horn in good condition.
If hooves are cracked and growing thin/dry - the cure is nutrition, to grow a tighter healthier horn. Oil applied externally won’t strengthen inherently thin hoof walls.

The only use i can think of, as cc mentioned, for hoof oil, is using it as a barrier to stop excess water soaking into the hoof, making them soft, in persistent wet conditions.

Like us - if our skin is dry/cracked/chapped - we can slather on cream to soften it, and if we take a topical treatment approach would have to cream daily - but the problem, if not environmental like alllergy to washing powders/detergents etc - is often nutritional.

 

[JBM]

Thank you guys all good to know!