Happy Hooves, Happy Horse: ALL YOU NEED for Summer hoof support

By Kate Hore, RNutr (Animal), BETA ENFAR Nutr, R.Anim.Technol (Cert), Head Nutritionist, NAF

As summer brings drier days, more turnout, more riding and more competitions, it can also highlight hoof concerns. Hard ground and dry weather can quickly show up in the feet, particularly for horses working regularly throughout the season.

Many owners will recognise the signs: dry, brittle horn, cracks, shoes that do not stay on as well, or feet that suddenly seem to need extra support. For these horses, maintaining strong, flexible hoof horn becomes a real summer priority.

Summer hoof challenges

The equine hoof is designed to be tough, but it also needs natural elasticity. In dry conditions, hooves can lose moisture balance, becoming harder and more brittle. This can make cracking more likely, particularly if feet are under pressure from hard ground, faster work or an overdue farrier visit. As leading farriers advise, keeping hooves well balanced is particularly important in summer, when dry feet and hard ground can increase concussion through the limb.

Hoof support from within

Topical care is important, but healthy hooves are not built from the outside alone. The hoof you see today was grown over time, which means quality horn starts with the nutrition available as new hoof is formed.

Hoof horn is rich in keratin, the structural protein that gives the hoof strength, resilience and flexibility. Biotin is well known in hoof supplements, and quite rightly so, but hoof nutrition is about more than biotin alone. Sulphur-containing nutrients are central to the structure of keratin and the bonds that help give hoof horn its strength. That is where NAF PROFEET supplement offers a clear point of difference. Alongside biotin, zinc and antioxidant support, it includes additional sources of sulphur, including methionine, MSM and cysteine, to help support strong, healthy hoof horn from within.

As hoof horn takes time to grow, a hoof supplement should be part of a consistent daily routine, not a quick fix before a show or shoeing appointment. PROFEET is available in powder, liquid and pellets, making it easy to choose the format that suits your horse and feeding routine.

Complete summer hoof care

For all-round summer hoof support, internal nutrition should be matched with the right external care. PROFEET Farrier Solution and Farrier Dressing help nourish and support healthy, flexible hooves. PROFEET Hoof Moist helps dry hooves maintain moisture balance, while PROFEET Rock Hard offers targeted support for soft soles and hooves needing extra resilience.

This summer, keep hoof care simple: feed for future hoof growth, apply for daily support and work with your farrier to keep feet balanced. Because happy hooves really do help make a happy horse.