Winter Hoof Care

 During winter, most people are on top of blanketing their horse and altering their diet. However, the same people often neglect to take care of the special needs the hooves have in the winter, thinking that they are the same as for summer or spring. In actuality,the hooves not only grow differently but also are succeptable to various hoof ailments.

 Hoof growth is influenced by several factors, according to Eliza McGraw: the horse's health, environment, amount of exercise, and quality of hoof care. Horses exercise less in the winter, which means less circulation in the hooves and therefore less growth. They use the nutrients they get from their food to keep warm, another factor that slows the growth rate of the hooves.

 There are several things to consider when your horse's hooves grow more slowly. For example, your farrier may have to come a couple weeks later than normal, such as every eight to twelve weeks, then come more frequently in the spring when hooves grow at a rapid pace. Also consider that cracks will take longer to grow out. This means it may take longer for a horse with a cracked or damaged hoof to completely heal, regardless of how you treat it.

Wearing special snow pads like this one prevents buildup of snow and ice.
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 In addition to a slower hoof growth rate, winter also brings several ailments: thrush, abscesses, and hoof bruises.

 Thrush is caused by the bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum, which thrives in moist environments, particularly mud. It is easily recognizable by its characteristical black ooze.

  Hoof bruises can result from riding your horse over hard, frozen ground, causing soreness and lameness, and requires the assistance of both your farrier and vet. They will test the hoof to find the sore area and then will either pare down the affected hoof or recommend special shoes or pads.

 Abscesses are pus-filled pockets inside the hoof, caused by an infection or foriegn object. Usually you should let them drain on their own and use something to reduce infection.

Snow may also become packed in your horse's hooves, especially in freezing temperatures, melting slightly when touching the hoof, the re-freezing. Preventing it using special snow pads is best.

 Making sure you are aware of the specific needs of your horse's hooves and acting quickly can keep you horse safer and healthier this winter.

Common Equine Winter Ailments

 Winter, for some, means bitter cold and snow, while for others it means lots of rain and mud. Nevertheless, no matter where you live, you still must watch out for similar ailments in your horse.

Mud Fever
 Mud fever is an infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. As the name suggests, it only occurs during moist conditions, such as when a horse stays muddy too long. It causes painful, inflamed sores full of bacteria to erupt on the horse's legs. These scabs carry bacteria and must be gently removed.

 According to Melissa Shelton, DVM, mixing 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil with 4 ounces distilled water into a spritz bottle, then spraying several times a day on the affected area, often relieves the condition. Oils like Roman chamomile and geranium also work well.

 You can even apply the Animal Scents Ointment to the wounds. Just be careful not to hurt your horse while applying it.

 Dr. Shelton also recommends using oregano or Thieves essential oil blend orally for bacterial infections by placing a drop on the horse's lower lip. Be warned, though, that those oils are strong and should only be used in more severe conditions. Even then, you should probably dilute it by mixing it into a moist feed.

 The affected horse should be keep inside a stable if possible while his wounds heal.

Click to enlarge.

Rain Scald
 Rain scald is similar to mud fever and is caused by the same bacteria. It mostly occurs on the back of a horse that has been body clipped and is lacking his winter coat. Again, the spray I mentioned earlier is recommended.

Colic
 Colic can be caused by multiple different factors, such as the horse eating quickly. If horse horse colics, you should call your vet. Check out my post about colic for more information.

Lameness
 In the winter, with the ground likely being frozen or muddy, lameness often occurs. Be careful when you ride and make sure you thoroughly pick out snow and ice when you are done.

Thrush
 Be on the look out for thrush, a hoof ailment that causes the frog to secrete a black, oily substance. thrush is caused by the horse standing on wet, muddy ground for extended periods of time.

 As with anything, prevention is best. Check your horse regularly to make sure he is dry and warm.