Strengthening horse hooves
How to strengthen your horse's hooves – and why herbs help
If you're a horse owner, you certainly know how important healthy hooves are for your horse. "No hooves, no horse" is an old saying among horse owners for a reason. The hooves bear your horse's entire weight and are constantly subjected to stress – so it's worth paying special attention to them. But how can you strengthen your horse's hooves? And what do herbs have to do with it? We'll explain that here!
Why are strong hooves so important?
Strong hooves are the foundation for a healthy horse. They act as shock absorbers, protect the sensitive inner structures of the hoof, and ensure that your horse moves smoothly – whether in the pasture, in the countryside, or on the showground. Weak or brittle hooves, on the other hand, can quickly lead to problems: cracks above Hoof ulcers up to serious Lameness.
What weakens horses’ hooves?
There are many factors that can weaken your horse's hooves. These include:
- Wrong diet: Too little biotin, zinc, or other nutrients in the feed? This can quickly lead to brittle hooves. Minerals for horses: VitMin
- Wetness: If your horse is constantly exposed to damp conditions, its hooves will soften and become more susceptible to infection.
- Lack of exercise: Horses that do not walk enough often have poor blood circulation to their hooves, which affects their health.
- Incorrect shoeing or hoof trimming: Incorrectly fitted horseshoes or poorly trimmed hooves can cause serious long-term damage.
What can you do to strengthen the hooves?
The good news is: There are many ways you can strengthen your horse's hooves!
- Proper nutrition: Make sure your horse gets enough biotin, zinc, methionine, and other important nutrients. These are essential for the growth of strong hoof horn. A high-quality supplement can help compensate for any deficiencies.
- Movement: Exercise is extremely important! Horses that are regularly allowed to move in a variety of gaits often have better hoof quality. The exercise promotes blood circulation in the hooves and ensures they are well cared for.
- Regular hoof care: Have your horse's hooves checked and trimmed regularly by an experienced farrier or hoof care professional. This will ensure that the hooves are always in good condition.
- Dryness: Make sure your horse's hooves aren't constantly wet. A dry, clean stable and regular drying after riding can make a big difference.
Herbs for strong horse hooves – natural support for hoof health
What do herbs have to do with hoof health?
Herbs contain valuable nutrients and secondary plant substances that can naturally support your horse's body. Properly selected plants contribute to an optimal supply of minerals, trace elements, and bioactive substances—thus creating a good foundation for strong, elastic hooves.
Our hoof herb mixture “Stehfest”
The combination is based on traditional knowledge and many years of experience in horse husbandry. All ingredients are carefully balanced.
Selected ingredients and their nutritional significance:
Silica (silicon)
Silicon is a natural component of many plants. It is traditionally used in horse feed to nourish the hoof horn and maintain its elasticity.
ginkgo
Ginkgo leaves contain valuable plant compounds. They are valued in traditional herbal medicine for their potential to promote microcirculation in tissues.
Nettle
This plant is rich in minerals, including silicon, and is often used in horse nutrition to support overall vitality.
willow bark
Known from herbal medicine, willow bark contains natural tannins and secondary plant substances that are traditionally used to support the joy of movement.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin, a secondary plant substance used in animal nutrition to support metabolism.
Instructions for using herbs in horse feed
Herbs can be dried and mixed directly into the food or added to the food as an infusion (tea).
Important: Do not overdose and do not combine uncontrolled with other supplementary feed – this avoids unwanted interactions.
Conclusion
Healthy hooves are the result of a balanced diet, good hoof care, and regular exercise. Herbs can be a useful component of the ration to provide the horse with additional, valuable plant substances.
FAQ – Hoof health and herbal feeding for horses
1. Why are strong hooves important?
Stable hooves support mobility, absorb shocks and contribute to the horse's well-being.
2. What can weaken hooves?
Inadequate nutrient supply, excessive moisture, lack of exercise and incorrect hoof trimming.
3. Which herbs are popular with horses when it comes to hoof support?
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Silica (source of silicon)
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ginkgo
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Nettle
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willow bark
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Milk thistle
4. How long does it take for the first effects to appear?
Herbs are not a quick fix. Continuous feeding over several weeks can be beneficial to ensure a sustainable supply.
Note: In case of special health problems or existing illnesses, you should always consult a veterinarian or
