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Winter Hoof Care: How to Keep Your Horse’s Hooves Healthy in Cold Weather
Did you know the average horse’s hoof grows about a quarter of an inch each month? Even during the colder months, hoof growth continues—and the hoof you see developing in winter will be the foundation supporting your horse throughout the summer.
That’s why winter hoof care is just as important as warm-weather maintenance. Cold temperatures, wet conditions, snow, and ice can all affect hoof health if not properly managed.
Below are essential winter hoof care tips to help keep your horse’s hooves strong, healthy, and comfortable all season long.
1. Inspect and Clean Hooves Frequently
Regular hoof cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective winter hoof care practices. Taking just a few minutes each day to pick out your horse’s hooves helps remove packed mud, manure, snow, and debris.
When debris becomes trapped in the hoof, it can limit oxygen exposure and create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of infection. In colder climates, packed snow and ice can also form hard buildup in the hoof, which may lead to bruising or strain on joints and tendons.
👉 Tip: Using a sturdy hoof pick, such as HandsOn’s hoof pick with an ergonomic grip, makes daily cleaning quicker and easier—especially in freezing temperatures.
2. Check Horse Hooves for Cracks and Moisture Damage
Winter weather often brings excessive moisture, which can weaken the hoof wall. Constant changes in environment—such as moving your horse from a wet, muddy pasture into a dry stall—cause the hoof wall to expand and contract, increasing the likelihood of cracks.
To protect your horse’s hooves during winter:
- Provide firm, dry footing whenever possible
- Avoid prolonged exposure to deep mud or standing water
- Inspect hooves regularly for early signs of cracking or softness
Applying appropriate hoof-care topicals can help create a protective barrier against moisture while reducing the chance of bacteria entering the hoof wall.
3. Schedule Regular Hoof Trimming with a Farrier
Consistent hoof trimming remains critical during winter, even if your horse is ridden less frequently. Unbalanced hooves or long toes can make horses more prone to slipping on frozen or slick surfaces.
Regular visits from a qualified farrier help:
- Maintain proper hoof balance
- Reduce stress on joints and tendons
- Prevent winter-related soundness issues
Well-balanced hooves improve stability and help keep your horse comfortable throughout the colder months.
Why Winter Hoof Care Matters
Healthy hooves are essential year-round, but winter conditions present unique challenges. By staying proactive with daily hoof cleaning, monitoring for cracks, and maintaining a regular farrier schedule, you set your horse up for success—not just in winter, but heading into spring and summer as well.
A little extra attention now goes a long way toward long-term hoof health.
