It’s a frosty morning, and you’re crunching through the snow to check on your horse. As you near, you notice he’s shifting uncomfortably, as if his feet hurt. Indeed, winter poses unique challenges for equine hoof health. Cold temperatures, wet conditions, and frozen ground can all impact hoof integrity and comfort.
Whether this is your first winter as a horse owner or you just want to ensure your horse’s hooves are in top shape heading into spring, these winter hoof care tips will help you keep him comfortable and sound.
What Can Go Wrong in Winter?
Depending on where you live, winter presents the perfect storm for hoof problems. Wet, muddy conditions can soften your horse’s hooves and turn them into a breeding ground for bacteria, while extremely dry winter conditions can have the opposite effect, making hooves brittle and prone to cracking. Icy, frozen ground presents additional challenges! Here are a few issues to keep an eye out for:
- Thrush: This bacterial infection loves to make itself at home in wet and dirty hooves. If you notice a black, smelly substance when picking your horse’s hooves, that’s a telltale sign of thrush.
- Bruising: Frequent travel over hard, frozen ground can cause bruising and discomfort.
- Ice balls: Ice and snow can pack into the soles of your horse’s hooves, especially if he wears shoes. They’re not only uncomfortable but can also make your horse feel like he’s walking on stilts.
- Hoof cracks: Dry, brittle hooves are prone to developing cracks in the hoof wall.
- Abscess: In parts of the country that alternate between wet and dry spells, horses are at risk of getting painful abscesses as their hoof walls expand and contract—allowing bacteria to invade more easily.
Preventing Problems Before They Start
The good news? A little prevention goes a long way. Start with thorough cleaning each day—yes, even when it’s freezing, and your fingers aren’t happy about it! Use a hoof pick to remove packed snow, mud, and debris from your horse’s soles. Pay special attention to the grooves on either side of the frog (that triangular part in the middle of the hoof) where thrush loves to hide.
Before your horse heads out into his winter wonderland, apply a good waterproof hoof dressing. But don’t go overboard—a light coating is all you need. A hoof dressing and conditioner can also help keep hooves from becoming brittle and cracking. To deter ice balls from forming, apply petroleum jelly to your horse’s soles.
Your Winter Hoof Care Toolkit
Here are some winter hoof care tips to keep your horse sound and comfortable:
- Keep up with regular farrier visits. While hooves typically grow slower during winter, it’s no excuse to stretch out those appointments. Every 6-8 weeks is still the golden rule.
- Try to keep your horse’s living space dry via clean bedding and good drainage. If your horse spends most of his time outside, place rubber mats in his favorite hangout spots (e.g., run-in sheds and around feeders) to give his hooves a break from frozen ground.
- If your horse is shod, ask your farrier about adding snow or ice pads to prevent ice balls from forming.
- Apply a hoof pack like Magic Cushion to prevent and manage sore soles.
- Feed a balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps build strong hooves that can better resist winter challenges.
Watch for These Red Flags
Your horse can’t tell you “Hey, my feet hurt!” But he can show you he’s uncomfortable in other ways. Keep an eye out for:
- Lameness or reluctance to move.
- Warm areas on the hoof.
- Changes in how your horse stands or walks.
- Any unusual smell or discharge from the hooves.
When in doubt, call your veterinarian and farrier. It’s always better to catch problems early than to wait until they become serious. Stay consistent with your winter hoof care routine, and before you know it, spring will arrive with your horse’s feet as healthy as ever.
Related Reading:
- Managing a Horse With Sore Feet
- How To Prevent Ice Balls in Your Horse’s Hooves
- How To Pack a Horse’s Hoof
This article is brought to you by Absorbine.
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