Hoof care through a wet winter

A British winter can be hard on hooves. Weeks of rain and churned gateways soften the horn, loosen shoes and give bacteria an easy way in. The good news is that a few steady habits go a long way. This guide covers the routine we follow on the yard from October to March.

Why wet weather causes problems

The hoof wall and sole are built to cope with some moisture, but constant wet followed by sudden drying makes horn swell and shrink. Over time this weakens nail holes, opens cracks and leaves the frog prone to infection. Mud also holds grit and bacteria against the foot for hours at a time.

Common winter issues include:

• Thrush – a smelly, black discharge in the grooves of the frog.
• Mud fever – scabby, sore skin on the heels and lower legs.
• Lost shoes – softened walls simply hold nails less well.
• Abscesses – grit works into a weak spot and infection builds under the sole.

Keep them clean and dry

Pick out feet at least once a day, and twice if your horse is stabled on wet bedding. Check the grooves beside the frog and the central cleft, and note any smell or soft patches early.

Give your horse a dry place to stand for part of each day if you can. That might be a stable, a hardstanding area or a well-drained field shelter. Even a few hours off the mud lets the hoof firm up.

Managing gateways and fields

• Put down hardcore, rubber matting or woodchip in the worst gateways.
• Rotate fields where possible so the ground can recover.
• Move water troughs and hay feeders around so one spot doesn't turn into a bog.

Look after the legs as well

Leave mud to dry and brush it off, or wash gently and dry thoroughly, rather than scrubbing wet legs every day. Constant washing can strip the skin and make mud fever more likely. Turnout boots and barrier creams help some horses, but they must be clean and dry underneath.

If a horse is suddenly reluctant to put weight on one foot, call your vet or farrier the same day. Abscesses are very painful but usually respond quickly to treatment.

Work with your farrier

Keep a regular schedule, typically every five to eight weeks, and don't let it slip over the winter. Shorter cycles may help horses who lose shoes often. Mention any changes you notice, such as heat, a stronger digital pulse, cracks or a change in how your horse moves.

Your farrier may suggest a hoof hardener, a different shoe or a change of trimming plan for barefoot horses. They can see the whole picture, so share what you've noticed between visits.

Feed for healthy horn

Good hoof growth starts with the diet. Most horses do well on plenty of forage and a balancer providing biotin, zinc, copper and methionine. Changes take months to grow down the hoof, so keep going and judge results at the coronet band, not the toe.