Cracked, split or brittle hooves are among the most common concerns horse owners raise with their vets and farriers, and the causes are often more layered than they first appear.
Environmental factors play a significant role. Hooves that are repeatedly exposed to wet conditions followed by rapid drying - a common problem in the UK where horses move between muddy turnout and a dry stable. Horse's hooves experience expansion and contraction of the hoof wall. Over time, this repeated cycle can contribute to weakening of the horn structure and increased susceptibility to cracking.
Genetics also play a part. Some horses and certain breeds are naturally more prone to poorer quality horn, with thoroughbreds in particular often noted for having relatively thinner, less robust hoof walls compared with some native or draught breeds, regardless of management.
Regular trimming and shoeing is very important. Hooves left too long between farrier visits can develop an imbalanced shape, placing uneven stress on the hoof wall and increasing the likelihood of cracks developing, particularly at the point where the hoof wall meets the ground.
Nutritionally, inadequate intake of the specific building blocks needed for strong keratin production for a strong and healthy hoof. Feeding a Hoof Supplement is a very affective way to ensure much needed Biotin for Horses, Methionine, Lysine, Zinc and Sulphur containing compounds such as MSM is available for the production od strong andresilient hoof horn.
It is worth being realistic about what nutrition alone can and cannot achieve. A horse with poor hoof quality due to nutritional gaps will generally show meaningful improvement with consistent Hoof Supplementation over several months, since the new horn growing down from the coronary band will be of noticeably better quality. However, nutrition cannot correct a hoof that is being managed poorly in terms of trimming, or compensate for environmental factors that remain unaddressed. The most effective approach combines all three: consistent, balanced nutrition, regular and skilled farriery, and sensible management of the environment your horse stands in.
For horses with established cracking or splitting, addressing the issue with patience matters. You are not looking for an overnight fix, you are supporting the next nine to twelve montHorse Bihs of new growth to be stronger than what came before. Robust Hoof, with Horse Biotin (contains Inositol which works in synergy with biotin. It is essential for the production of lipoproteins which carry nutrients in the blood stream to the hoof tissues), Methionine, Lysine, MSM and Zinc, Copper & Manganese, is designed to support exactly this process, working alongside good farriery rather than replacing the need for it.
For more information about Scientific Nutritional Products and their wide range of equine supplements available visit their website www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or to speak to a member of the team Tel: freephone 0800 032 7774
