Autumn Hoof Care: Why It’s Crucial and How to Maintain Healthy Hooves

Autumn brings cooler weather, wetter ground, and changing pasture conditions — all of which can affect your horse’s hooves. Paying attention to hoof care during this season helps maintain normal horn quality, comfort, and overall soundness.

Why Hoof Care Matters in Autumn

• Changing moisture levels – Alternating wet and dry conditions can cause hoof horn to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or weaker areas.

• Soft ground – Hooves can become more susceptible to bruising on uneven or muddy surfaces.

• Bacterial and fungal environments – Wet conditions encourage bacteria and fungi to thrive, making hygiene especially important.

• Nutritional changes – Reduced grazing may mean lower intake of vitamins and minerals that contribute to normal hoof horn growth.

Maintaining Healthy Hooves This Season

1. Regular Farriery

• Keep up with your horse’s normal trimming or shoeing schedule.

• Discuss any changes in hoof condition with your farrier.

2. Environment Management

• Provide dry areas in fields or turnout pens.

• Maintain clean, well-bedded stables to minimise prolonged wet conditions.

3. Daily Hoof Routine

• Pick out hooves daily to remove mud, stones, and debris.

• Check for cracks, flares, or other changes in the horn.

• Consider using conditioners or hoof moisturisers for normal horn flexibility if recommended by your farrier.

4. Nutrition for Normal Hoof Function

• A balanced diet contributes to normal hoof horn quality.

• Key nutrients include biotin, zinc, methionine, and other vitamins and minerals that support normal growth.

• Equine America offers hoof support supplements designed to contribute to normal horn formation and maintain hoof condition when grazing changes with the seasons.