Hoof Oil or Snake Oil?

We've all heard the hoof chatter at the barn and around equine social circles. "Hoof oil doesn't work, it's nothing but snake oil!" This statement is commonly follow up with: horses in the wild don’t need hoof oil, so why would we need to use it on our domesticated horses?

Well… because we’ve domesticated them! It's true- horses in the wild don’t need hoof oil. They don’t have humans rasping, trimming and shodding their hooves. What happens when we rasp a hoof excessively? We remove its protective layer, thereby disrupting the natural moisture balance of the hoof. This layer, called the periople (aka limbis), is a waxy, phospholipid membrane that allows the hoof to maintain its moisture levels, as well as protect new growth. Additionally, it offers protection from infection and injury. Of course, nutrition and genetics play the largest roles in hoof health, but our removal of this protective layer is a "man-made" practice resulting in an imbalance. 

A horse’s hoof should be strong, yet not brittle. Both excessively moist and excessively dry hooves are problematic. Our All Natural Hoof Oil contains pure Larch Tree Resin (also called Venice Turpentine), a natural compound commonly used as a hoof hardener. Coupled with moisturizing plant oils, our formula helps to both harden and provide moisture to the hoof's keratin, allowing it to grow healthy and strong. Our unique blend of Wintergreen and Tea Tree increases blood flow and fights fungus, easing sole discomfort, inflammation, and thrush infections.

To wrap this up, hoof oil is often a necessary component of hoof maintenance. Hoof health is arguably the most important aspect of horse care- you’ve heard the expression, no hoof, no horse! A good farrier is an invaluable resource in keeping your horse sound, both by maintaining the hoof and helping you create a hoof care regimen. By evaluating the state of your horse’s hooves, you’ll be able to choose the correct product for your horse's specific needs.