Dry Horn and Hoof Cracks: Natural Ozone Solutions

Introduction

Hoof health is fundamental for your horse's well-being and performance. Dry hooves and cracks (hoof fissures) compromise the structural integrity of the foot and can cause lameness and discomfort. This article presents the causes of these conditions and natural ozone solutions to restore healthy hooves. For problems related to the bulbs, consult our article on cracks in the bulbs.

Understanding Hoof Structure

The hoof is composed of several layers of keratinized horn: the outer wall (protective), white line (junction of wall/sole), sole (concave bottom surface), frog (elastic triangular structure), and bulbs (soft, vascularized heels). The horn naturally contains 20-25% water, essential for its elasticity, shock resistance, and healthy growth.

Dry Hooves: Causes and Consequences

Main causes:

• Environmental: Dry climate, sandy soils, stabling on dry bedding, prolonged sun exposure
• Management: Excessive trimming, frequent washing without hydration, aggressive products
• Nutritional: Deficiency in biotin, essential fatty acids, zinc, and methionine
• Physiological: Poor circulation, advanced age, metabolic diseases (Cushing's, insulin resistance)

Consequences: loss of elasticity, cracks, flaking, difficulty in maintaining shoes, sensitivity to impact, and increased risk of infections.

Cracks: Types, Causes, and Severity

A crack is a vertical fissure in the hoof wall, superficial or deep, extending to living tissues.

Classification:

• By location: at the toe (front), at the quarter (lateral, most common), at the heel (back)
• By depth: superficial (non-painful), deep (pain and lameness), complete (high risk of infection)
• By origin: ascending (trauma) or descending (growth defect)

Causes: foot imbalance, irregular trimming, unbalanced shoeing, dry and brittle horn, chronic laminitis, foot abscess.

Complications if left untreated: progressive extension, infection of sensitive tissues, chronic lameness, hoof deformation.

Natural Solutions: Treatment Protocol

OZONE SOIN BOUE (OZONE MUD CARE): Treatment for the Frog and Wet Areas

OZONE SOIN BOUE is specifically formulated for areas exposed to moisture: it cleanses the frog, eliminates bacteria and fungi, regulates moisture, creates a protective barrier, and stimulates healthy horn regeneration.

Indications: frog rot, atrophied frog, deep sulci, mud fever affecting the bulbs, prevention in wet conditions.

Application: Clean and dry the hoof, apply generously into the sulci and on the frog. Once/day as a treatment, 2-3 times/week for prevention, for 2-4 weeks.

OZONE MASTIC SABOT (OZONE HOOF MASTIC): Repair and Hydration of the Wall

OZONE MASTIC SABOT is the reference treatment for dry hooves and cracks: it intensely rehydrates the horn (restoring optimal 20-25% moisture), strengthens the structure, repairs superficial fissures, stimulates growth at the coronary band, and prevents infections in fissures.

Indications: dry or flaky hooves, superficial to moderate cracks, fragile hooves, preparation before shoeing.

Application: Clean and dry the wall, apply generously into holes, splits, and fissures. Once/day for intensive care, 3-4 times/week for maintenance.

Specific crack protocol: Have the crack evaluated by your farrier or veterinarian, apply OZONE MASTIC SABOT directly into the fissure twice/day. Mechanical stabilization (clips, resin) may be necessary.

Crack caused by thrush

OZONE PÂTE FOURCHETTE (OZONE FROG PASTE): Daily Protection and Prevention

OZONE PÂTE FOURCHETTE is the quick-application field treatment: long-lasting protection against moisture, mud, and urine, preventive antimicrobial action, adheres even on wet hooves.

Indications: horses in pasture in wet conditions, protection after trimming or shoeing, preventive maintenance between intensive treatments.

Application: Simple cleaning, apply to the frog, sulci, and around the sole. 2-3 times/week for prevention.

Combined Protocol: Synergy of the Three Treatments

• Active treatment: OZONE MASTIC SABOT on the wall (fissures) + OZONE SOIN BOUE on the frog, once/day
• Maintenance: OZONE PÂTE FOURCHETTE 2-3 times/week for daily protection
• Prevention: OZONE SOIN BOUE 1-2 times/week + OZONE PÂTE FOURCHETTE before turning out to pasture

Why Ozone is Effective

Ozone acts by oxidation: it eliminates bacteria, fungi, and viruses without creating resistance, improves microcirculation at the coronary band, stimulates collagen and keratin production, and helps maintain optimal moisture balance in the horn.

Complementary Measures

• Trimming: Every 6-8 weeks, respecting natural angles
• Environment: Alternating dry/wet, drained paddocks, clean bedding, regular exercise
• Nutrition: Biotin (15-30 mg/day, 6-9 month course), zinc (250-500 mg/day), methionine, omega-3, vitamin E, and selenium
• Hydration: Permanent access to water (30-50 liters/day)

Signs of Improvement

After 2-4 weeks: less dry and shinier horn, reduced fissures, healthy odor-free frog, new quality horn at the coronary band, better shoe retention. Take photos every 2 weeks to monitor progress.

When to Consult a Professional?

• Veterinarian: Deep crack with bleeding, marked lameness, swelling, abnormal heat, no improvement after 4 weeks
• Farrier: Crack requiring mechanical stabilization, imbalance in angles, orthopedic shoeing

Conclusion

Dry hooves and hoof cracks require a comprehensive approach: ozone treatments, regular trimming, environmental management, and optimal nutrition. Hoof horn grows slowly (8-10 mm/month) — allow 6 to 12 months for the wall to completely renew. Patience and consistency are essential.

Note: For deep cracks, lameness, or worrying situations, always consult your veterinarian and farrier.