A horse is only as strong as its hooves. Hooves grow all the time, and if they are left too long they crack, flare and lose their balance. A regular schedule for trimming and shoeing is one of the simplest ways to keep your horse sound, strong and comfortable. Here is the timing we recommend, and how to look after the hooves in between.
1Trim barefoot hooves within two months, and three at most
A barefoot hoof should be trimmed within two months, and should never go longer than three months. When the hoof grows too long, the wall flares and cracks, and dirt and moisture get trapped in the gaps. This gives bacteria and fungus the chance to attack the hoof and cause problems such as thrush. Regular trimming keeps the hoof healthy and balanced and gives the horse good, even foot power.
2Follow the same schedule for shoeing
Shod horses need the same timing. The hoof keeps growing under the shoe, so after two months, or three at the very most, the shoe should come off, the hoof should be trimmed and a new or reset shoe fitted. If the shoe stays on too long, the hoof grows over it, the shoe moves out of position and the horse can lose a shoe or become uncomfortable.
3Early care keeps your horse strong, active and healthy
Do not wait until the hooves look overgrown or the horse starts to move badly. Trimming and shoeing on time keeps the horse strong, powerful and active, protects its legs and joints from extra strain, and keeps the hooves neat and attractive. Small, regular corrections are always easier for the horse than one big correction after a long gap.
4Clean the hooves between farrier visits
The weeks between trims are just as important. Pick out the hooves regularly, ideally every day and always before and after riding, to remove stones, mud and manure from the sole and around the frog. Then brush the hoof clean so you can check for cracks, bruises, a bad smell or a loose shoe. A clean, dry hoof is far less likely to pick up infection, and your farrier will find it in better condition at the next visit. The right tools make this quick and easy:
- Hoof picks and hoof cleaning brushes for daily cleaning
- Hoof scrapers to remove packed dirt from the sole
- Farrier & barefoot tool kits to keep everything together
In short
- Trim barefoot hooves within two months, and never later than three.
- Reshoe on the same schedule.
- Trim and shoe early to keep your horse strong, active and healthy.
- Clean the hooves between visits with a hoof pick and brush.
Need trimming or hoof cleaning tools?
Rekhi Hoof Solution makes hoof knives, nippers, rasps, hoof picks and brushes for farriers and horse owners.