hoof quality Archives - Life Data® Blog

Hoof wall defects can develop from one or more contributing factors. To name a few, hoof wall quality can be influenced by genetics, environment, microbes, trimming, and nutrition.

1. Genetics

Breeds such as Thoroughbreds are genetically predisposed to thin hoof walls and soles, which increase vulnerability to trauma and cracking. Midline toe cracks can occur in any breed as a result of a genetically related weak laminar attachment of the hoof wall to the coffin bone.

Broodmare and Foal — Promoting Hoof Health Begins at Conception

2. Environment

Horses exercising on hard ground or pavement are predisposed to hoof wall cracking due to the higher shock forces on the hoof walls. Also, hooves that often move from wet to dry environments are particularly susceptible to hoof wall cracking. Lastly, the trauma of stepping on hard or sharp objects will generate cracks – especially cracks that form in the bars.

3. Hoof Eating Microbes

Hoof eating microbes require a nutrient-rich environment that is lacking oxygen to flourish. The several different species of bacteria and fungi that have been isolated from infected hooves all have one thing in common – they thrive on the sulfur-containing collagen of the hoof wall. Nail holes and hoof defects provide organisms with easy entry, while wet environments soften the foot and set the stage for microbial invasions. These anaerobic organisms weaken the hoof wall structure. Leading to crumbling, chipping, and cracking.

4. Proper Farrier Trimming

Quarter cracks that start at the coronary band and extend downward are often associated with excessive loading on one side of the hoof wall. Proper farrier trimming and/or shoeing will balance the stresses on the hoof wall and lessen the shocks leading to cracks and hoof wall separations.

Farrier Trimming Horse's Hooves — Maintaining a Regular Farrier Schedule is Essential for Hoof Health.

5. Nutrition

Whether from wheat, rice, oats or other grains, bran contains phytates. Phytates block the absorption of calcium predisposing the horse to a calcium deficiency and other mineral imbalances. Calcium is important in providing the “glue” for cellular adhesion in the hoof tissue. Calcium deficiency is often a result of diets high in bran and results in weak, crumbly hoof horn.

Supplementation and Hoof Quality

Excessive dietary sulfur can result from MSM supplementation. Excess sulfur interferes with copper metabolism, leading to weak connective tissue structure and poor hoof quality.

Horses supplemented with excessive selenium develop a lack of structure in the hoof horn. The excess selenium replaces the stronger sulfur bonds, resulting in weak hoof horn. As selenium toxicity progresses, the outer hoof wall becomes brittle, noticeable horizontal rings appear, pain develops at the coronary band, and the outer hoof wall may slough.

Growing Out Hoof Wall Defects

The majority of horses will “grow out” hoof wall defects if:

1) The causative factor is identified and avoided (if possible).
2) The horse receives good nutrition and/or a hoof supplement.
3) The defects are treated with non-caustic topical protectants.

Farrier's Formula Hoof Supplement — Farrier’s Formula® Ushered in the Concept of Feeding for Hoof Health!

Recommended Hoof Supplement: Farrier’s Formula®

For outstanding hoof nutrition, use Farrier’s Formula^®: the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers in the USA. Farrier’s Formula^® will strengthen the hoof wall to inhibit future cracking and hoof defects, and will also increase the growth rate of the hoof horn to overcome existing cracks.

Developing Hoof Growth Requires Patience

Feeding for hoof growth is a tedious process, and, as mentioned in previous blog articles, it takes time and patience. Even when promoting hoof growth through a hoof supplement, maintaining regular farrier schedules, and managing daily hoof care, seeing significant results can take several months. It can take nine months to a year for the hoof to completely grow out. Sometimes, it can take longer, depending on the original condition of the hoof or if unforeseen setbacks occur.

Unfortunately, setbacks to hoof growth may occur when the process is disrupted by:

Discontinuing the hoof supplement
Not following farrier recommendations
Inconsistent hoof management
Using caustic topicals for a “quick fix”
All the above

Subtle Improvements to the Hoof are Difficult to Notice

Becoming disgruntled is understandable. Improvements to the hoof will be subtle. Early on, the most significant change will occur from within the hoof, and the internal improvement won’t be visible. Most horse owners also see the hooves regularly, and subtle exterior changes can go unnoticed. The slow, gradual process blinds us to the improvements the hoof has developed. More than likely, your farrier will notice those changes before you do!

Use the Camera as a Hoof Care Tool

A camera is a powerful tool for horse owners. Routinely taking pictures of the hooves and comparing them over time can help you witness subtle changes and even reveal the challenges that still need work. Many horse owners will be shocked at the difference between photos taken only three months apart, changes that would typically go unnoticed. Comparing photos over time and seeing improvements will help keep you focused on the task ahead!

Two-Month Hoof Progress

For example, we recently received a two-month update from a horse owner who had just begun supplementing with Farrier’s Formula® and using topical applications of Farrier’s Finish®. This individual included new pictures with the update and said, “I think it is too early yet to know the impact that Farrier’s Formula is having…”

Hoof Quality Progress After two months — Left Front Hoof Two Months Apart After Supplementing with Farrier’s Formula®.

But, compared to the original photograph from two months ago, the changes are much more evident. Some of the noticeable improvements include:

A tighter white line
Healthier frog and sole
Less bruising

When the horse owner was shown the two photographs side by side, she was shocked and replied, “My goodness, you are right. What a difference in a relatively short time.”

The hooves still require much time and work, but the photos reveal that Farrier’s Formula® and Farrier’s Finish® are working together to rebuild a healthy hoof. This revelation and seeing the changes reinvigorated the horse owner.

Track Hoof Health Over Time

Photography is not only an excellent way to track your horse’s hoof growth but also a way to track overall hoof health. It gives you a record of when specific problems began taking place. These can be shared with your farrier or veterinarian to diagnose a problem. The more evidence available, the quicker a solution can be found.

Photographing Hooves

Here are a few tips to consider when photographing hooves.

Lighting For Hoof Quality — Lighting Plays an Important Role in Revealing Details in Hoof Quality.

Lighting is everything
- Lighting is essential to reveal the details of the hoof. If the hoof is covered in shadows, details can be challenging to see. So, when picking a location for your photoshoot, try not to take them in your barn’s darkest corner.
Cleaned and trimmed
- A dirty hoof doesn’t photograph well! Before you take pictures, clean the hoof and clear the sole of any debris.
- Taking pictures after the farrier has visited is not only a good “timestamp” but ensures the hoof looks “its best” at that time.
Focus on the hoof
- Your camera can easily focus on something other than the hoof. When taking your photos, double-check to ensure the hoof is in view, clear, and not blurry. Even the slightest blur can make those needed details challenging to see.
Use every angle
- Capture pictures of the hoof from every angle. We encourage at least five angles: the front of the hoof, each side, the back, and the sole. The more angles, the better!
Repeat
- Repeat the same angles each time you photograph the hoof. This makes it easier to compare photos over time.
Photograph regularly
- We will leave this one up to you! Take pictures as often as you’d like, but we recommend at least scheduling your photo sessions with your farrier visits. It’s easier to remember and more convenient for you as the horse owner.

6 Month Hoof Quality Progress — Hoof Quality Improvements After Six Months Supplementing with Farrier’s Formula®

Hoof Care Notes

When working towards building a new hoof, here are a few other notes to consider:

The first signs of success will appear in the hair coat.
- The same nutrients essential for the hoof are also important for developing healthy skin and hair coat. The internal health of your horse is revealed externally. When you notice your horse developing a healthy and glossier hair coat while feeding Farrier’s Formula®, know that better hoof quality will follow.
The hoof doesn’t “heal.” It must “grow out.”
- The cracks, defects, and poor hoof quality will not heal like a wound. They must grow out with the hoof. Farrier’s Formula® promotes the needed growth. Using a non-caustic hoof topical, like Farrier’s Finish® or Life Data® Hoof Clay®, protects the new growth from “hoof-eating” bacterial and fungal invasions that enter the hoof capsule from the hoof cracks and defects.
Nutrition is only one step in a greater equation.
- Nutrition is essential for healthy hooves, but it is one factor of many. Genetics, mechanics, and the environment also affect the quality of your horse’s hooves. If you do everything correctly from a nutrition standpoint but don’t maintain balanced hooves and proper hoof management, hoof growth, and quality will still suffer.
Be familiar with your horses’ hooves.
- Your farrier shouldn’t be the only one picking up your horses’ hooves. As a horse owner, you should know your horse’s hooves like the back of your hand. Cleaning and managing hoof care is a daily routine.
  - If you stall your horse at a public barn and cannot see your horse daily, build a community within the barn to share the responsibilities of daily hoof management.
Talk with your farrier.
- Even if you don’t notice improvements to the hoof, there is a good chance your farrier will. They may notice the better hoof quality when trimming the hoof. For example, they may feel more resistance when rasping the hoof wall or less tenderness in the sole.

Last Thoughts

Hoof care can be tedious and frustrating, but with the right tools, a good farrier, and patience, you can develop a hoof your horse can be proud of. Using photography as part of the process is fun and an excellent tool for management and care. If you have any questions regarding hoof care or any of the products mentioned in this article, please call us at 1-800-624-1873 or e-mail us at cservice@lifedatalabs.com. If your horse develops a hoof-related issue, consult with your veterinarian and farrier as soon as possible.

Tag: hoof quality

Factors That Affect Hoof Quality