06/01/2025
How to Keep Your Horse’s Feet Healthy in Sudden Colder Weather: UK Tips from a Farrier
As the winter chill sets in across the UK, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to your horse’s feet. Sudden drops in temperature, combined with wet, muddy conditions, can create challenges for hoof health. Here are some practical tips to help keep your horse's feet in top condition during this time.
1. Maintain Regular Farrier Visits
Colder weather doesn’t mean you can skip trims or shoeing appointments. Regular farrier visits ensure your horse's hooves stay balanced, preventing issues like cracks or flares that can worsen in wet or frozen conditions.
2. Keep Hooves Clean and Dry
Mud, ice, and wet bedding can soften the hoof and increase the risk of thrush or abscesses.
- Daily cleaning: Pick out hooves daily to remove mud, manure, and ice buildup.
- Drying areas: Provide a dry, clean standing area, such as a rubber-matted stable or gravel turnout areas, to help keep hooves dry.
3. Manage Mud Fever Risks
Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions can weaken hooves and lead to infections.
- Use hoof disinfectants sparingly to help prevent bacteria build-up.
- Avoid turning horses out in waterlogged paddocks for extended periods.
4. Feed for Hoof Health
The right diet supports hoof strength and resilience.
- Add supplements like biotin, zinc, and methionine to your horse’s feed to encourage strong, healthy hoof growth.
- Ensure your horse has access to plenty of forage and a balanced diet, as poor nutrition can slow hoof regeneration.
5. Prepare for Icy Conditions
Sudden frost can cause hard, uneven ground that may lead to bruises or cracks.
- Consider using sole protection or studs in your horse’s shoes to provide better grip.
- Regularly check for cracks or bruising and consult your farrier if any issues arise.
6. Check for Early Signs of Problems
Winter weather can mask early signs of hoof trouble. Watch for:
- Soft or spongy soles (a sign of thrush or excessive moisture).
- Heat or swelling in the hoof, which could indicate an abscess.
- Cracking or splitting, especially in dry, frosty conditions.
7. Provide Regular Exercise
Movement promotes circulation to the hooves, encouraging healthy growth and preventing stiffness in cold weather. Even short walks on good footing can make a big difference.
Stay Proactive This Winter
By staying proactive and partnering with your farrier, you can help your horse maintain strong, healthy hooves throughout the winter. If you’re unsure about your horse’s specific needs or notice changes in their feet, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice.
Let’s keep your horse sound and happy all season long!
Feel free to share this post or get in touch if you need support with your horse’s hoof care this winter.
