HORSE HOOF WALL CRACKS - Vertical Surface Cracks

Superficial Hoof Wall Cracks: Why Your Horse’s Hooves Might Look a Bit Worn Out

You’re picking and checking your horses hooves, going about your daily business, when you spot those little lines trailing down the hoof wall. Not deep, not painful, but definitely not pretty.

Pictured above:  Horse overdue for a trim.  Vertical wall cracks.  There are also other considerations with these hooves (horizontal lines that are "curved" upwards.  We'll touch on that in another post.

Welcome to the world of superficial hoof wall cracks, one of the most common and  cosmetic hoof issues horse owners come across.

Let’s unpack what they are, why they happen, and what you can do to keep your horse’s hooves looking and functioning their best.

What Are Superficial Hoof Wall Cracks?

These cracks run vertically down the outer wall of the hoof, often starting near the top and extending downward. They don’t usually cause pain or lameness and don’t go deep into the hoof structure. But while they're predominately cosmetic, they are still a sign the hoof isn’t in its best shape.

They are basically the hoof’s way of saying something has been out of balance.

So, What Causes Them?

1. Nutritional Gaps

Hooves are made of keratin, just like your nails and hair, and they need the right building blocks to grow strong and smooth. When a horse is low in nutrients like biotin, zinc, copper, methionine, or quality protein, the hoof wall can grow dull, brittle, and prone to cracking.

These superficial cracks often mirror what’s going on internally. If the hoof wall lacks strength and elasticity, even small changes in environment or workload can cause it to fracture on the surface.

Pictured above:  Deeper wall cracks in dry conditions - affecting the outer layers of the hoof wall and not penetrating the Stratum Internum (internal layer of the hoof wall)

2. Moisture Fluctuations

The Australian climate throws hooves into a pressure cooker. One minute it’s mud and mayhem, the next it’s dust and dehydration.  Constant shifts between wet and dry conditions cause the hoof to swell and shrink repeatedly, putting strain on the outer wall. Over time, this can lead to small surface cracks, especially around the toe and quarters as the hoof struggles to keep up with the environmental whiplash.

Pictured above:  Hooves subject to constant changes in environment are more susceptible to superficial wall cracks.  Think about a hoof clipping that shrivels up when left in the sun after a farrier visit - and swells again when left in water.  Try this at home.

Are Superficial Cracks Dangerous?

Usually, no. These cracks are cosmetic and rarely lead to lameness. But they do act as warning signs that the hoof is under stress.  If ignored, they can eventually weaken the wall further and allow deeper issues to form.

What Can You Do About It?

Start by nourishing from the inside and supporting from the outside.

Pictured above:  New Hoof Growth with improved mineral supplementation will assist with hoof quality and reduce nutritional surface cracks.

Topical Hoof Care Can Help

Even though these cracks are surface level, they still need protection. That is where your topical hoof care routine comes in. Products designed to support hydration, flexibility, and barrier function can make all the difference.

Our Hoof Spray is your go-to for cleansing and moisture absorption, especially when hooves have been in wet or muddy conditions. It also contains a hoof loving oil that supports the hoof's natural structure while helping to draw out excess dampness and grime.

Follow it up with our Hoof Balm, which delivers deep, cosmetic grade hydration to dry, brittle hooves. Soaking in quickly, it's packed with nourishing oils and waxes, assists with restore flexibility and shine while creating a moisture-balancing barrier that actually lasts.

Together, this combo helps you:

• Lock in natural moisture 

• Protect against rapid drying and environmental stress

• Improve the appearance and condition of cracked or stressed hoof walls

• Support a healthy outer hoof structure between trims

Topical hoof care products work in conjunction with your nutritional and management plan to help support healthy hooves.

Don't forget to regularly clean the hoof wall as well as the sole of the hoof.

• Assist with removing build up dirt and debris that may be hiding superficial or deeper cracks on the hoof wall.  Our Wire bristle hoof pick is perfect for this.

Sturdy Golden Wire Hoof Pick can effectively scrub the hoof wall, along with picking and scrubbing the sole of the hoof.

Tips for Better Hoof Health

• Pick out hooves daily and monitor any changes

• Talk to your nutritionist about a mineral balanced feed plan
  

• Use Hoof Spray to prep and cleanse before applying any topical

• Apply Hoof Balm regularly to maintain optimal hydration

• Trim regularly to prevent hoof imbalances that stress the hoof wall and structure.

Keep Surface Cracks From Becoming a Bigger Story

Superficial hoof wall cracks may not be serious, but they are worth paying attention to. With the right nutrition, regular hoof care, and a bit of topical backup in your tack shed, you can help your horse grow strong, resilient hooves that hold up through wet winters, dry summers and the extreme changes in between.

Because when it comes to hoof care, proactive prevention wins every time.

Julie Wright - Cert.EMT, Dip.EPT 

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