Embracing Winter with Barefoot Hooves: Solutions for a Happy, Healthy Horse

Winter can transform the landscape into a beautiful wonderland, but for barefoot horses, it can present unique challenges. With a pro-barefoot mindset and strategic care, you can ensure your equine friend not only survives but thrives in winter conditions.

The Winter Impact on Barefoot Hooves

Moisture Imbalance
Embrace the natural moisture regulation capabilities of barefoot hooves. The wetter weather in winter can provide moisture to the hoof that is lost during the dry season. A little bit of moisture is a good thing, too much and we can start to see a weakening of the tubules or potentially a thrush invasion of the frog. Consider products like Artimud to combat or prevent thrush, and Stronghorn to harden the sole if too much moisture is a problem. 

Slippery Surfaces
Turn the tables on slippery surfaces with the added traction of bare hooves. Regular trimming keeps excess length at bay, reducing snow balling up in the hoof. For an extra boost, explore the world of Cavallo Trek hoof boots designed to provide grip without compromising the natural flexibility of the hoof. Boots and composite shoes can be studded for more traction when riding. 

Proactive Winter Hoof Care: A Barefoot Approach

Regular Trims
A well-maintained barefoot trim supports the hooves in facing winter challenges head-on. A shorter trim cycle to avoid excess length that will allow snow to ball up is key. If your horse lives on hard, frozen, Icey ground, consider leaving an 1/8th of an inch of extra heel height to provide some extra vertical depth in the hoof. 

Balanced Diet for Resilient Hooves
Feed your horse a nutrient-rich diet to fortify their hooves from within. Adequate nutrition not only supports overall health but enhances the natural resilience of barefoot hooves. Horses need vitamin e in their diet and they get it by grazing on fresh grass or from hay. Did you know that hay loses up to 70% of it's vitamin e content during drying? If your horse doesn't get to graze on pasture during winter, consider supplementing vitamin e in their diet. 

Hoof Boot Bliss
Hoof boots aren't just an accessory, they can provide much needed protection from hard, icy ground. You can use pads inside the boots to help thin soled horses, and studs if needed for better traction. Pro tip: use felt pads, Artimud and Gold Bond Foot powder inside your horse's boots to wick away moisture from the frog to prevent thrush. 

Active Lifestyle Advantage
Maintain a consistent exercise routine. Movement stimulates blood flow, promoting natural hoof health and resilience. Your barefoot horse is designed to move, and winter shouldn't stand in the way. Even light riding or hand walking to keep your horse moving will help. I embrace winter here in Canada and use it to refine my bareback riding and focus on foundational elements of training such as in hand work and really perfecting lateral movements at the walk. 

Hydration Happiness
Ensure your horse stays hydrated, even in colder weather. Proper hydration is the secret weapon in maintaining the strength and flexibility of barefoot hooves. I offer my horses slightly warm water after winter workouts and often will add a dash of apple cider vinegar or unsweetened apple sauce to encourage my horses to drink more. I also like to add a bit of warm water to their grain/supplements in wintertime to increase hydration. 

Conclusion: Barefoot and Bold in Winter

Winter with barefoot hooves is not a challenge to be feared but an adventure waiting to be embraced. Often the snowy landscape offers a reprieve from the muddy season, and helps to keep those furry winter coats clean and fluffy! Empower your horse to not only weather winter but to revel in it. And just think, less snow balls in their hooves, and cleaner coats leads to more time riding and less time grooming!

Cheers to a winter of happy, healthy hooves and the joy of barefoot living!