If you’re dealing with dry, cracked hooves on your horse, there’s likely a simple fix that doesn’t involve buying expensive hooves.

But it is important to look for the cause of the clog problem. You will find the right home remedy in advance .

Nutrition, good and frequent hoof trimming, and proper infection management are key to healthy hooves.

This post offers some helpful tips for keeping your horse’s hooves in top shape, as well as a recipe for DIY hoof care.

Analyze the diet

Even if your horse has had the same diet for years, think about what other changes might occur.

• Is there little grass due to the weather?
• Has the level of education increased?
• Has your hay/forage supplier changed?
• Is your horse approaching old age?
• Does your horse have worms?
• Is the weather unusually hot or cold?

If you think this may affect your horse’s overall health, now is the time to adjust your feeding schedule and possibly introduce new supplements.

Sometimes a simple change can have a big impact on hoof health in the long run.

Work with your blacksmith

To keep hooves healthy and balanced, it’s important to brush them regularly.

In general, most horses should have their hooves trimmed every 5-8 weeks.

The exact time for each horse can vary depending on the time of year, the terrain in which it is transported and ridden, and whether or not it is shod.

Talk to your farrier about your concerns about finding the right program for your horse (or find a new one if you’re not happy with the results!).

Beware of infection

Finding problems early can save you a lot of time, money and energy, and reduce hoof damage.

Watch out for sudden limp, heat, swelling, increased digital heart rate, or fever.

If a particular hoof breaks more than the others, have it examined by a farrier or veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

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Keep up with daily care

Even if your horse hasn’t yet been ridden, it’s still important to check your horse’s hooves daily.

Not only does this remove mud and grit, but it’s also a great opportunity to evaluate each clog to see if the dryness and cracking is improving.

Progress may seem slow, so keep a journal or take photos to track changes.

Use conditioners

Once you’ve found the right care for your horse’s hooves, applying a topical cream can speed up the healing process.

While there are many options available at the store, this simple and effective DIY conditioner works well in dry climates, too.