Horse World

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Keeping horse hooves maintained and cleaned is a vital part of owning a horse.  Horses are always on their hooves when you are riding them or when they are in the pasture. 

Because it is important to ensure their comfort, it is imperative you keep your horse’s hooves clean and maintained. There are certain tools and steps you should use in order to make sure your horse’s hooves stay dirt free and healthy.

The major tool you will need for cleaning horse hooves is a hoof pick.  This will allow you to take out the dirt from the horse hooves without injuring the hoof area.  A hoof pick will usually be a small metal object that is shaped like an ‘L’.  The handle may or may not be metal. 

Some riders also like to use hoof ointment for the horse as it helps stop the hoof from cracking. It’s a good idea to use hoof ointment or oil if your horse has problems with their feet, such as getting cut easily or if they are stood in dry sandy areas for long periods of time.

The first step to take when cleaning a horse hoof is to take your hand and slide it down your horse’s leg to the back area. This will get them used to your touch and help to prevent them spooking.

You can then slide your hand onto the backside of the leg where the tendons are.  Most horses will lift their feet when you squeeze this area.  Horses that are trained in this procedure will also respond better if you say ‘up’ when you are squeezing this area. 

The next step will be to take the hoof pick and begin digging the dirt and manure out of his hoof.  This should not only be done in the main areas of the hoof, but also in the frog and back of the hoof. 

It is best to use the hoof pick by working from the back of the hoof to the front.  This makes it more comfortable for the horse and makes it easier for you to get the dirt out of the hoof. 

When you are cleaning the horse’s hoof, you should also be checking for several things to ensure your horses’ hooves are healthy.

The first thing to check for is scrapes or cuts that the horse may have accumulated. It is easy for horses to injure their hooves, especially if they have trodden on a sharp stone, glass or any other object that may cause injury.

Also check for possible diseases that begin in the hoof.  These include Thrush, grease heel and other types of wounds and problems. If your horse has cracked hooves, you will need to contact a farrier for advice.

Because of the amount of time a horse is on its feet, walking, trotting and running etc it is important to clean out his hooves daily and before and after riding. This will assist your horse in staying comfortable while they are grazing in the pastures or when he is out and about with you riding him.

Previous Articles By This Author

• Buying Your First Horse
• Equipment for Horses
• Basics of Horse Care
• Grooming your Horse
• The History of Horses