How to Repair Damaged Hooves

It is vital to make sure your horse's hooves are well cared for. While they appear to be tough and hardy, the hoof is one of the most sensitive areas of a horse's body, and if a crack is left untreated it can rapidly worsen or even become infected, making it very uncomfortable for the horse to walk. Because of this, rapid and proper treatment is essential.

Things You'll Need

  • Lanolin, fish oil or olive oil
  • Hoof repair material (such as Equi-Pak)
  • Hoof pick
  • Stiff brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your horse's hooves with a hoof pick and gently clear the crevice of the frog (the part of the horses' hoof that touches soft ground) with a stiff brush. Scrape any material trapped there and on the sole of the horse's foot and make sure the whole sole is clear. Use the stiff brush to clear debris from any cracks.

    • 2

      Examine the damage. If it is minor, apply natural remedies to your horse's cracked hoof to keep the area moist and encourage healing. Apply lanolin, fish or olive oil. Because they are sources of alpha-linolenic acid, they will nourish the hoof inside and out.

    • 3

      If the horse's hoof damage is severe, you may need to apply an artificial hoof repair material such as Equi-Pak. These materials are designed to seal the crack and protect against any infection of the tissue underneath it. While they are effective, they can also cause further damage because the heat they generate can destroy adjacent tissue. They may also cause problems if the cracked area hasn't been cleaned properly and dirt is trapped between the horse's tissue and the repair material.

    • 4

      Consult a veterinarian or a farrier if the horse is lame or if the hoof is infected or is getting worse.

    • 5

      Take preventive measures to ensure that your horses' hooves never become damaged in the first place. Regularly re-shoe your horse and fix loose shoes to help prevent cracks, and regularly trim a barefoot horse. Feed your horse a balanced diet to help prevent cracks and other problems.