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Good for hooves

Effol hoof care for strong hooves: hoof oil and hoof oil gel (clear/black), hoof ointment, hoof soft cream, plus summer/winter gels and specialist care.

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Good for hooves

Effol hoof care for strong hooves: hoof oil and hoof oil gel (clear/black), hoof ointment, hoof soft cream, plus summer/winter gels and specialist care.

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“No hoof, no horse” – there’s a lot of truth in this saying. Proper hoof care is crucial for your horse’s health, performance and well-being. Here you’ll find valuable tips, interesting facts and the right Effol hoof care products for healthy and well-groomed horse hooves.

Effol is here to support you! Discover our product recommendations:

The basics of hoof care

Here you can find out the easiest way to care for your horse’s hooves and prevent damage to them – simply click on the topics.

Regular hoof checks before and after riding are an important part of hoof care for horses. Scraping out the hooves removes stones, dirt and manure, which can lead to pressure sores or hoof problems. At the same time, this allows you to spot foreign objects, cracks or injuries at an early stage and provide targeted support for your horse’s hoof health.

Horses’ hooves should be checked at regular intervals of around 6 to 8 weeks and trimmed as required to maintain long-term hoof health. Hooves that are too long can lead to misalignment, uneven weight distribution and lameness. How often hoof trimming is necessary depends, amongst other things, on hoof growth, the horse’s living conditions and how it is used.

A clean stable, pasture and a well-maintained paddock play a key role in your horse’s hoof health. Damp and muddy ground can soften the hooves and lead to hoof problems such as thrush. Very dry ground, on the other hand, can cause the hooves to dry out and become brittle. A balanced and, as far as possible, clean environment is therefore crucial for healthy horse hooves.

Regular exercise and daily walks promote blood circulation in a horse’s hooves and are key components of good hoof care. Improved blood circulation helps supply the hoof with essential nutrients and can contribute to healthy, resilient hooves.
Healthy hooves start from the inside. As well as proper hoof care, a balanced supply of nutrients also plays an important role. Nutrients such as biotin, zinc, copper and methionine support the formation of strong hoof horn and can help to ensure strong, resilient hooves.

Hoof oil is particularly suitable for dry and brittle horse hooves, as it nourishes the hooves and gives them a healthy, well-groomed appearance. 

Hoof grease, on the other hand, forms a protective barrier against external moisture and dirt, thereby supporting your horse’s hoof health.

FAQs

Do you have any questions about hoof care? Here you’ll find the most important answers at a glance.

In summer, many horses suffer from dry ground and high temperatures. Hooves should be cleaned and checked regularly. Nourishing hoof oils or hoof balms can help maintain the elasticity of the hoof horn. It is also important to ensure sufficient exercise to promote natural blood circulation in the hoof. 

Recommended product: Effol Summer Hoof Gel 

Firstly, the hoof should be soaked in water for a while. Apply hoof care products such as hoof oil or hoof softening creams. These products are particularly suitable for dry hooves, as they do not strip the hoof of moisture but, thanks to laurel oil and witch hazel extract, provide the hoof with the moisture it needs.
  • Hoof oil is more easily absorbed and is suitable for normal to slightly dry hooves. 
  • Hoof grease forms a protective layer on the hoof’s surface and can help retain moisture in the hoof for longer. Suitable for very dry or cracked hooves.

For brittle hooves, nourishing hoof oils, hoof balms or hoof greases are suitable, as they help maintain the elasticity of the hoof horn. The choice of product should be based on the individual condition of the hooves. 

Recommended products: Effol Hoof Oil Gel colourless or Effol Hoof Oil Gel black

A healthy horse’s hoof has a smooth hoof wall, ideally with no deep cracks, and a firm, healthy frog. The hoof horn should appear elastic and regrow evenly. Furthermore, the horse should move with a regular gait on both firm and soft ground. 

Recommended product: Effol Hoof-Oil-Gel colourless or Effol Hoof-Oil-Gel black

Thrush in horses can usually be recognised by a strong, unpleasant odour, dark or crumbly material in the grooves of the frog and, in some cases, increased sensitivity when the hoof is touched or cleaned. The condition often develops when moisture, dirt and bacteria accumulate in the hoof.

Early detection and regular hoof care are important to help prevent thrush from worsening. Clean the hooves thoroughly and use suitable hoof care products to support healthy hoof hygiene.

Recommended product: Effol med Combat Trush Gel Spray

A healthy horse’s hoof is characterised by a harmonious shape, an even white line and a consistent wall thickness all round. Furthermore, the hoof should be neither dry and brittle nor persistently damp or rotten. Well-maintained and healthy hooves form the basis for your horse’s mobility, performance and well-being.