Essential steps to string Summer hooves – a blog from NAF:
Summer can be a busy time for our hardworking farriers, but we managed to catch a few minutes with Master Farrier, Andrew James AWCF, to discuss how the hot, dry summer affects hoof quality, and what we, as horse owners, can do to help.
NAF: ‘What are the common issues you see with hooves in a dry summer?’
AJ: ‘Cracked and brittle hoof horn. The hooves get harder which can make them more brittle, so trimming and nailing on becomes more difficult. If it’s dry we also see contracted heels, a sign of lack of moisture. Hooves that are very dry lose elasticity, and the frog and heel suffer the most as they are usually the most hydrated.’
When faced with cracks in the hooves the natural response can be to reach for a hoof hardening product. However, it is clear from Andrew’s experience that hooves can become too hard, through being dry, and it is that actual hardness which causes the cracking. Time and again feedback we receive from farriers tells us that we don’t need a hardener, at this time of year, but a hoof emollient. A specific hoof health formula designed to nourish and hydrate the hoof wall, white line, sole, frog and heels.
NAF Pro Feet Farrier Solution was uniquely developed and trialled by farriers. Designed to naturally deliver what farriers need from their clients’ horses in order to trim and prepare balanced, strong hooves all year round.
So, what results did they find?
NAF: ‘What benefit do you find from PROFEET Farrier Solution over other applications you’ve tried?’
AJ: ‘It is fast acting and penetrates quickly into the horn. I can easily tell when customers are using Profeet because hooves are noticeably healthier. Unlike others, it doesn’t suffocate the horn but instead supports natural strength and flexibility, promoting overall healthy hooves and a foot I can work with.’
NAF: ‘That’s great to hear. So using a moisturizer like Profeet is actually about strength and not softening – quite the opposite, in fact! Is there anything else we can do as horse owners and riders? Is there one thing about summer hoof care that you think every horse owner should know?’
AJ: ‘Dry hooves working on hard ground will lead to unwanted concussive forces tracking up the limbs, made worse if the hooves are unbalanced. Regular trimming for both foot balance and moisture balance will help the horn itself adapt to the dry conditions.’
Tips to maintain summer hoof strength
- Maintain regular farrier visits, whether shod or barefoot
- Hoof growth speeds up, meaning farrier cycles may need to be shorter
- Beware hard ground, and adjust work type and intensity accordingly
- Apply NAF PROFEET Farrier Solution or Dressing daily
NAF PROFEET Farrier Solution or Dressing
- Developed and researched by farriers
- Plant based power for strong, flexible hooves
- Natural emollients to nourish healthy hooves
- Available as PROFEET Farrier
- Solution: No waste, drip-free application
- Dressing: Easy use balm
Fancy trying NAF’s range of Farriery endorsed products? Take a look by clicking the link below!
