Hoof care for horses in the pasture: preventing pathologies while respecting their lifestyle

Hoof care for horses living in pasture often raises questions, especially when they wade through wet ground day and night. However, a horse that walks daily in natural conditions maintains better hoof health than a horse confined to a stall, even a clean one. This article explains why moisture isn't always the enemy and how to adopt an effective preventative routine to protect your horse's hooves.

Horse hoof care and maintenance in the pasture: the risks of humidity

The hooves of horses living outdoors are exposed to numerous pathogens present in damp and muddy soils. These infectious agents can cause problems such as:

1. Thrush :
• Prolonged exposure to moisture weakens the tissues of the frog, allowing bacteria and fungi to proliferate.
1. Weakening of the sole :
• A sole weakened by moisture becomes more vulnerable to injury or abscesses.
1. Infections of the glomes and periople :
• These sensitive areas, when exposed to damp ground, can become entry points for deep infections.

Despite these risks, the natural movement of a horse living outdoors is beneficial to the overall health of its hooves. The important thing is to adopt regular preventative care to counteract the effects of dampness.

Preventive protocol: cover the entire surface of the foot

Use of Hooffluid for soles and frogs

Hooffluid , containing chestnut tannins and a little cider vinegar, is an ideal solution for protecting hooves exposed to moisture. Here's why:

• Creation of a protective barrier: Tannins quickly dry tissues while forming a protective layer against bacteria and fungi.
• Immediate effect : The product dries instantly, allowing the horse to return to the pasture immediately without risk.
• Tissue strengthening : After only 2 or 3 days of use, a clear improvement in tissue strength is observed at the level of the sole and frogs.

Instructions for use:

2. Clean the sole and fork thoroughly before application.
3. Apply a thin layer of Hooffluid to the entire surface using a brush.
4. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times per week for optimal protection.

Protect the periople and bulbs

The periople and bulbs are sensitive areas essential to the overall health of the hoof. Their regular maintenance is crucial to prevent infections.

Ozone Mud Guard: an ideal solution for hoof care for horses in the pasture

The Ozone Mud Guard  This is the best product for protecting these critical areas. Here are its advantages:

• Deep sanitization : Ozone eliminates bacteria and pathogens before they penetrate tissues.
• Stimulation of regeneration: By promoting the production of new cells, this treatment strengthens the periople and glomes.
• Long-lasting protective barrier : Two applications per week are sufficient to create effective protection against external aggressions.

Instructions for use:

1. Apply a small amount of Ozone Mud Guard to the bulbs and periople.
2. Massage gently to allow the product to penetrate.
3. Repeat this process once or twice a week.

Why humidity isn't always the enemy

Contrary to popular belief, humidity is not always harmful to horses' hooves. In fact , hooves are designed to function in a natural environment where moisture is present. What is more damaging is a lack of movement.

A horse walking regularly on damp ground stimulates blood circulation in its hooves, promoting healthy hoof growth. Conversely, a horse confined to a clean but inactive stall may suffer from hoof problems due to a lack of natural stimulation.

Care of a horse's unshod hooves in the pasture

Unshod horses living in pastures often benefit from better natural hoof function. However, they are still susceptible to problems related to dampness. Here are some additional tips for their care:

• Check the hooves regularly: Inspect them weekly to detect any abnormalities (soft frog, softened sole, etc.).
• Adopt a preventative care routine : Use Hooffluid and Ozone Mud Guard regularly to prevent problems.
• Opt for varied terrain: If possible, allow the horse to alternate between different types of ground to stimulate its hooves.

Maintaining the hooves of horses living in pasture relies primarily on prevention and regular care. With products like Hoofflu id and Ozone Mud Guard, you can effectively protect your horse's hooves from pathogens and strengthen their natural structure. Remember that movement is essential to their health: a horse that walks is a healthy horse.