Hoof care in wet country

Daily picking out, farrier intervals, and how to keep mud fever, thrush and abscesses at bay through a wet Gippsland winter.

Health5 min read
General information only. Every horse is different. For health concerns, always speak with your veterinarian, farrier or equine nutritionist.

01Everyday hoof care

  • Pick out all four feet daily, working from heel to toe either side of the frog.
  • Check for stones, cracks, loose or twisted shoes and risen clenches.
  • Notice any heat in the hoof wall or a strong pulse at the back of the fetlock.
  • A strong, unpleasant smell or black, crumbly material in the frog grooves can mean thrush.

02Farrier and trimming

Most horses need a trim or reset every six to eight weeks, although your farrier will set the right interval for your horse. Hooves grow faster in warm, wet months, so intervals may need to shorten in spring.

Keep it bookedBook your next visit before your farrier leaves, and let us know the date so your horse can be caught and ready.

03Wet-season problems

Low-lying country around Koo Wee Rup can hold water through winter and spring. Constant wet softens the hoof and skin and invites a few common problems:

Mud fever

Scabs, crusting or sore, swollen skin on the lower legs, usually the heels and pasterns. Keep legs as clean and dry as possible and ask your vet about treatment.

Thrush

A bacterial infection of the frog with a strong smell and black discharge. Daily picking out, dry standing and farrier care are key.

Hoof abscess

Often sudden, severe lameness in one leg — sometimes so bad it looks like a fracture — with heat and a strong digital pulse. Call your vet or farrier.

04When to call for help

Don't wait if you see
  • Sudden lameness or reluctance to move
  • Heat in more than one hoof with a bounding pulse (possible laminitis)
  • A nail or object in the sole — leave it in place and call your vet
  • A lost shoe with torn hoof wall
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