Horse hoof care isn’t optional—it’s essential. At WildHeart Riding School, we teach every student that hoof care is just as critical as any riding technique. Without proper attention to the hooves, horses can quickly develop health issues that affect their movement, comfort, and long-term soundness. Whether you’re a beginner rider or managing your own horse, this guide will give you practical, hands-on steps to keep those hooves in great shape year-round.
A horse’s hoof is a complex structure made up of the wall, sole, frog, and internal components like the coffin bone. Together, these parts support the horse’s weight, absorb shock, and maintain stability. Just like tires on a car, if hooves are damaged or neglected, everything else suffers—from posture and gait to overall health and even mood. A limping horse isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s also unsafe for riders.
Problems like thrush, abscesses, cracks, and laminitis can all begin with poor hoof care. That’s why we prioritize daily checks, proper cleaning, and regular trimming in all our programs at WildHeart Riding School.
Caring for horse hooves starts with a consistent daily routine, especially if the horse is active or in training.
Pick the Hooves Twice Daily:
Before and after each ride, use a hoof pick to remove mud, manure, stones, and debris. Start at the heel and work toward the toe, being gentle but thorough, especially around the frog.
Look and Smell:
Inspect each hoof visually and check for unusual smells. A strong odor may signal thrush, a bacterial infection of the frog. Also look for any rocks lodged in the crevices, cracks, or excessive moisture.
Feel the Hoof Wall and Coronary Band:
Run your fingers along the hoof wall and feel for any heat or swelling. The coronary band—the ring just above the hoof wall—should be cool and dry. Heat or puffiness could indicate inflammation or injury.
Check the Shoes (If Any):
If your horse wears shoes, make sure they are secure and not twisted, loose, or missing nails. Loose shoes can shift the horse’s balance and cause injuries.
While daily care prevents surface issues, weekly and monthly maintenance ensures the long-term health of the hoof.
Schedule Regular Farrier Visits:
Even unshod (barefoot) horses need trims every 4 to 6 weeks. Growth rates depend on factors like age, terrain, diet, and exercise. Our farrier partners at WildHeart Riding School work on a set schedule for each horse to avoid overgrowth and imbalance.
Monitor Hoof Growth and Shape:
Irregular growth patterns, flares, or imbalance in the hoof shape can create strain on joints and ligaments. Document how the hooves look over time by taking monthly photos.Apply Hoof Moisturizer or Hardener (As Needed):
In dry climates, hooves can crack. In overly wet environments, they may soften too much. Hoof dressings, oils, and hardeners help you maintain the right level of moisture. At WildHeart, we assess this on a horse-by-horse basis depending on weather conditions and stall flooring.
Florida’s climate poses unique challenges to hoof care, alternating between rainy seasons and periods of intense sun.
Wet Conditions:
Dry Conditions:
Thrush: A Common but Preventable Issue
Thrush thrives in damp, dirty environments. It attacks the frog and can cause pain, infection, and lameness.
How to Identify Thrush:
How to Treat Thrush:
At WildHeart Riding School, all staff and riders are trained to catch thrush early and treat it promptly. Prevention is key.
Just like skin and hair, hooves reflect nutritional health. A poor diet can result in thin soles, weak hoof walls, or slow growth.
Essential Nutrients for Hoof Strength:
We work closely with veterinarians and equine nutritionists to ensure every horse at WildHeart gets a balanced diet, adjusted seasonally and based on their workload.
Whether or not a horse should wear shoes is a common question.
Barefoot Advantages:
Shoed Advantages:
Each horse at WildHeart Riding School is evaluated individually. For those needing extra support, custom shoeing or hoof boots may be used during certain seasons.
Circulation is crucial for hoof growth and healing. Horses confined for too long may develop stiffness, swelling, or poor hoof quality.
Tips for Encouraging Healthy Movement:
Our training schedules at WildHeart Riding School include regular walking, trotting, and light work even for horses not in lesson rotation.
Teaching hoof care early creates more responsible and aware riders. At WildHeart Riding School, every child over the age of 5 learns to clean hooves as part of their riding preparation. It’s not just about responsibility—it’s about connection and understanding the animal beyond the saddle.
Some issues require immediate veterinary or farrier care:
Have your vet and farrier’s phone numbers readily available. A hoof emergency caught early is often manageable.
At WildHeart Riding School, we believe the best riders are also excellent caretakers. The hoof might look small compared to the rest of the horse, but it plays a massive role in their performance and happiness. By developing a consistent hoof care routine, watching for small changes, and working closely with your farrier and vet, you’re not just taking care of a hoof—you’re ensuring your horse stays sound, safe, and ride-ready.
If you’re looking to deepen your horsemanship and get hands-on training in horse care—including hoof cleaning, grooming, and wellness—WildHeart Riding School offers structured programs for all ages. We’re just 8 minutes from Oviedo Mall and 30 minutes from downtown Orlando.
