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Hoof Moisture

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:55:49 GMT

The Hoof & Moisture.

The hoof is a multi-dimensional structure that undergoes many different forces at the same time. This means the hoof must be able to resist different forces acting upon it simultaneously. The deeper anatomy of the hoof reveals a complex world of different arrangements and composition of structures that, when combined and in balance, work together to prevent catastrophic failure of the hoof.

The proper functioning of the hoof relies on high-quality hoof care from your skilled farrier, as well as regular maintenance from you, the horse owner. Keep in mind that your farrier checks the hooves every 6 weeks, and by then, it may be too late to address issues that could have been easily prevented with some basic knowledge and daily attention.

The Hoof:

Keeping things basic, the hoof is made up of 3 basic layers known as stratums, they are known as the Stratum Internum, Stratum Medium and Stratum Externum. Collectively, these 3 layers describe the whole hoof wall, most of the weight borne on the hoof is through the hoof wall.

Stratum Internum : This is the inner most portion of the hoof wall, its primarily the connection between the hard hoof and the sensitive internal structures.

Stratum Medium: This is the main bulk of the hoof wall that contains the three different type of horn that make up the hoof wall.

Stratum Externum: The Stratum Externum is a thin later of waxy and scaly horn that sits on the very outside of the hoof known as The Periople. The Periople has two basic functions.

It forms a flexible junction between the hard hoof and the soft skin at the coronary band region and prevents bacteria getting in at this vulnerable section of the hoof (A little bit like your cuticles on your nails).

Its second function is to act as a moisture conveyer to keep the horn that makes up the hoof wall strong and nourished. The Periople is made up of keratinised epithelial cells that absorb moisture in the air and on the hoof wall, they feed the moisture up into the hoof which helps keep the horn cells that make up the hoof wall moist and supple. The horn cells of the hoof wall need to be able to hold up a lot of weight (horses are heavy as anyone who has even been trodden on will know). The hoof bends slightly under load. Obviously, the hoof ability to bend requires the wall to be supple otherwise it will crack.

The Basic principles of hoof moisture.

The hoof can withstand all weather conditions. The hoof likes stable and consistent temperature and moisture levels, what the hoof doesn’t like is changes to these conditions, the problem is that planet earth has seasons, these seasons and different weather conditions would be fine if they were consistent, but we all know they are not. Speaking as a farrier from the UK I can say with certainty that the weather can change not only daily but hourly sometimes. The same can apply to temperature also, the hoof likes slow and gentle temperature changes to give it time to adapt. Drying out or sudden exposure to water can play havoc with the hoof capsule.

Plan Ahead.

Spring/ Summer:

The key to avoiding summer dry cracked or split hooves and shelly feet is to try and maintain the same moisture levels, regardless of the external weather and warmth. As a rough guide, when the external temperature exceeds around 12-15 Degrees Celsius, the hoof begins to lose moisture and dry out. By applying a water-based moisturiser, you can slow down this dry out rate significantly. The warmer it gets, the more it needs moisture to maintain the same moisture level. By flattening the dry out rate and maintaining the same moisture levels the less likely you will experience drying and cracking as well as shoe loss. If you apply a moisture giving cream early and not wait until you notice they are dry and cracking, you will prevent many summer hoof related problems. Only applying a moisture giving cream when the cracks appear is too late.

Our Caffeine enriched daily hoof emollient is specifically designed for spring and summer, its essentially a moisture bomb for the hoof and will significantly slow down the moisture dry out rate in the warm months, the caffeine acts as a stimulant around the coronary band to maximise blood flow to this area where the hoof grows. See the photos on our products page demonstrating this in action.

Autumn/ Winter:

The main problem in the colder seasons is excess moisture and water, a submerged hoof capsule will have no option but absorb water/moisture making it expand quickly and split. Temperature and moisture evaporation isn’t a problem in these seasons, it’s the excess water and muddy fields that pose the threat to hoof health.

Our luxury hoof butter is designed for the winter months, not only does it contain some exquisite oils and organic shea butter, it also contains a water repellent that will resist water ingestion. Our butter is a true cosmetic grade organic shea butter unlike a lot of hoof butters out there that are solidified fats. Because it’s a true butter, it behaves like one, it sticks to the hoof very well and is very resistant to harsh environments, in normal conditions we found it only needs applying every 2-3 days, in harsh conditions, very 1-2 days.

Our hoof products have been tailored for individual seasons, yet they are versatile enough to be effective year-round. While one shines in the summer, the other excels in the winter.

Our Farrier finish daily hoof dressing will work all year round. Not only does it supply an outstanding show shine, it contains no fewer than 5 quality oils all chosen for their strengthening and nourishing properties alongside our eucalyptus essential oil that provides a natural anti-bacterial barrier to the hoof.

For a full description of all our products, please visit our Products page.

To purchase any of our products, please visit our online store.

Our philosophy here at the nourished hoof

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:29:25 GMT

Always as natural as possible.

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What is thrush?

Sun, 26 May 2024 22:04:35 GMT

Thrush - The underrated infection.

I am sure you have all heard of equine thrush but what is it? Well its a bacterial infection of the frog, the thing with this particular pesky bacteria is that it is anaerobic, this means it needs an environment that is lacking in oxygen. It is characterised by a foul smell , with a grey discharge usually found in the central sulci (cleft) of the frog. Usually accompanied by atrophy (shrinking) of the affected tissue.

It is commonly accepted that poor stable condition's are the main cause of this particular infection, poorly maintained beds that are wet and dirty create the perfect environment for this bacteria to reproduce, while I am not saying any of that isn't true, it is also found in horses that are well looked after with maintained hygiene standards. So poor hygiene isn't the only cause.

The frog, especially on shod horses is difficult to keep clean, its also difficult for the frog to clean itself due to the lack of contact with the ground. Horses that work on stony ground are also, in my opinion, more prone to thrush and here's why, stones or flint can be sharp and will often cut the outer layers of the horny frog, these small fissures develop into larger ones that harbour dirt creating the perfect environment for thrush to take hold, especially if the frog is small.

Thrush itself isn't too serious a problem provided its treated in a timely manner. If left untreaded or allowed to take hold it can create havoc in the hoof eventually causing lameness, Far worse is possible though, in severe cases it can cause sheared heels. Sheared heels is a structural breakdown of the heels causing them to move independently, basically the infection eats down into the deep frog and causes the internal frog arch to break, usually causing one of the heel buttress's to displace proximally. A visit from the vet, a period of box rest and some surgical farriery is usually the cost to your bank account, as well as a fair bit of worry and lost days riding. Even worse than that though is the increased risk of canker. Canker is your worst nightmare, wrapped in horror and despair, canker and thrush are different things but its believed that the thrush weakens the frog health and tissue allowing the more dangerous canker to take hold. Now canker doesn't just affect the frog, it has the ability to attack and consume any area of the hoof, as farriers, we often find ourselves chasing it around the foot thinking we have got it, only for it to burst out somewhere else. Canker can prove fatal if it spirals out of control and treating it is difficult.

Take home message.

Treat thrush early, as soon as its discovered, its relatively easy and cheap to treat. Effective treatments can kill the infection in a matter of days. I have tried many different treatments to thrush but find Hydrogen Peroxide the best. The Nourished Hoof's own Thrush Assassin is a hydrogen peroxide treatment that will clear up thrush within a few days if treated early, The peroxide is stronger than you can usually purchase in shops and chemists so always wear gloves and avoid direct contact with skin & especially your eyes. Our peroxide formula massively increases oxygen levels in the frog, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive, stopping the problem in its tracks. Its called Thrush Assassin for a reason!

So if your ever in any doubt, get your farrier or vet to check and act quickly to minimise your horse from further, more serious problems.

Prevention is Key for a trouble free summer.

Sun, 12 May 2024 20:14:38 GMT

Maintaining hoof moisture takes more than just a great product.

At the Nourished Hoof Ltd, we pride ourselves on only the best quality ingredients and years of experience and knowledge. The products we produce are designed tested and perfected before they reach you and your beloved horses.

That's not enough though.....

Without you, they are rendered useless.

You see, the secret to maintaining hoof moisture is consistency. The hoof can cope with pretty much all conditions mother earth can throw at them, what hooves don't like is change, the get used to just hot, just cold, just wet etc... As the seasons change, so does moisture levels in the hoof, the trick is trying to maintain the same moisture at all times. In summer, the problem is a drop in moisture, especially in countries like the UK where the default tends to be more wet.

A guide:

As soon as the temperature get's to around 12 degrees without rain, start to apply one of our hoof products, this will drastically slow down the evaporation rate in the hoof, remember, as things dry out they shrink, this is where cracks and fissures appear. If and when cracks appear its already too late and you have got behind the dry out curve. Our caffeine enriched daily emollient is a fantastic moisture bomb for dried out hooves and if applied consistently, will put moisture back into the hoof keeping it supple.

This is your part.

As a farrier of 30 years, I know most horse owners don't like picking up (or out) feet. you all know the saying 'no foot, no horse' and it as true today as the day it was first scribed. Daily application of any of our hoof products will ensure your feet stand a chance of surviving summer trouble free, lost shoes and vet all outs can spoil any summer ride, event or peaceful hack out, a few minutes a day looking after your horses feet are surely worth the effort of a few seconds worth of work to keep them nourished.

Please visit our website and read all about out products to help decide on the best tailored products for your horse, or email us if you need any questions answering, we would be more then happy to help.