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 a shield against infection and injury.

The unintentional removal of this protective layer is a "man-made" practice resulting in a hoof ecosystem imbalance. A skilled farrier is the difference between a sound horse and a horse that can't even enjoy turnout - let alone a ride. There is no one-size-fits all approach to trimming, shodding, and general maintenance. A holistic farrier that truly assesses the hoof, creates a specific plan for your horse and communicates clearly with you is worth their weight in gold.

Most importantly, horses in the wild have free access to diverse, nutrient dense forage. We're in the business of honesty; there's not a product in the world that will fix your horse's poor hoof condition if they don't have the foundation of adequate, balanced nutrition. Hoof health starts from within. If you're struggling with hooves, the first step is always to take a look at their feed regiment to determine if they're receiving the right type and amount of forage. In some cases, a specialized hoof supplement may be of benefit. 

For many horses, hoof oil is often a necessary component in maintaining the hoof ecosystem. Hoof health is arguably the most important aspect of horse care, right next to gut health- you’ve heard the expression, no hoof, no horse! Our All Natural Hoof Oil contains pure Larch Tree Resin (also called Venice Turpentine), a natural compound widely utilized as a hoof hardener and antiseptic. Coupled with moisturizing plant oils, our formula helps to both toughen and provide moisture to the hoof's keratin. Our potent blend of Wintergreen and Tea Tree increases blood flow via a "counter-irritant" effect, helping to fight against fungus (thrush) and easing sole discomfort & inflammation.

So, if your horse is fed a balanced diet, you have a great farrier, and you've made their environment as hoof-friendly as possible (hello, mud season), the next step in your horse's journey to strong, healthy hooves is our Hoof Oil.