When it comes to maintaining strong, healthy hooves, many horse owners assume that their hoof care professional has it all covered. However, hoof health is not just about trimming or shoeing—it’s about addressing the whole horse. Hooves are living tissue, influenced by movement, nutrition, environment, and overall health. As a hoof care provider, I spend about 20-30 minutes every few weeks trimming excess growth, addressing pathology, and discussing health maintenance with owners. But the reality is that hoof health happens every single day—not just when the farrier or trimmer visits.
Movement = the foundation of hoof strength
Just like a human’s needs exercise to build muscle and maintain joint health, horses need consistent movement to develop strong hooves. When we go to the gym and lift weights, we strengthen muscles through healthy stress and stimulation. The same applies to horses—their tissues, including hooves, adapt and grow stronger through movement. If a horse spends most of its time standing still, its feet and muscles will weaken over time.
A great example of this is the Chris Pollitt and Brian Hampson brumby study, where a brumby was relocated from Central Queensland to the arid desert. Within just three months, its hooves transformed, adapting to the increased movement and harsher terrain. This highlights the incredible impact of consistent movement on hoof development.
The Environment
Where a horse lives plays a significant role in hoof health. Constant exposure to wet, muddy conditions or standing in water can weaken the hoof structure, making them more prone to infections like thrush and abscesses. Ideally, horses should have access to varied terrain and dry areas to encourage natural wear and stimulation.
Nutrition: building hooves from the inside out
Hoof quality starts with a well-balanced diet. Key nutrients like zinc, copper, biotin, and essential amino acids are some of the most important for strong, resilient hooves. Horses deficient in these nutrients may struggle with weak, cracking hooves despite regular trims. For older horses or those with metabolic conditions like Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), careful diet management is essential to prevent laminitis and other hoof-related complications.
BUT – no amount of trimming or shoeing can compensate for poor movement, nutrition, or an unsuitable environment. Daily hoof cleaning, checking for signs of disease or imbalance, and scheduling regular trims are all part of a holistic approach to hoof care. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups can help identify early signs of metabolic issues that could impact hoof integrity.
Balance
As horses age, their needs change—just like ours. If we neglect our own health by skipping exercise, eating poorly, or avoiding Doctor check-ups, we can’t expect to perform at our best. The same principle applies to our horses. These key pillars of hoof health—movement, nutrition, environment, regular maintenance, and veterinary care—all work together to support strong, functional hooves.
As hoof care professionals, we cannot trim health into hooves—we can only maintain what is already there. By looking at these key areas regularly, horse owners can support their horse’s hooves from the ground up, ensuring long-term soundness and strength.
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