Summertime is when horses are most likely to be bathed and hosed off frequently. It is possible to keep your horse cool without damaging the hooves through the wet-dry cycle. Most importantly, do not use products on your horse’s hooves you would not use on your hands.

Horse’s hooves, as well as human skin, have a layer of dermal tissue that contains compounds called phospholipids. These compounds have a segment that repels water and a segment that attracts water. These compounds also allow the penetration of oxygen. Therefore, the use of a product that contains phospholipids to allow the hoof to repel water in wet conditions and conserve water in dry conditions is recommended.

Do no use products that prevent oxygen from passing through the hoof wall. When oxygen is ‘sealed out’ from a non-sterile area it creates a perfect environment for hoof destroying anaerobic micro-organisms. Avoid caustic materials such as formalin (formaldehyde), iodine crystals, copper sulfate and solvents such as acetone and turpentine. Greasy products which block oxygen should also be avoided.

J. Frank Gravlee, DVM, MS, CNS
Founder of Life Data Labs, Inc.
Developer of Farrier’s Formula®