Winter Hoof Care: Common Issues and Solutions - The Hoof Co

Winter Hoof Care: Common Issues and Solutions

As the weather cools down and the frosts and soggy weather sets in, our equine companions require special attention to maintain healthy hooves. Winter conditions can exacerbate existing hoof issues or create new ones. In this article, we'll discuss common winter hoof care problems including seedy toe, thrush, white line disease, and hoof abscesses.

1. Seedy Toe

Seedy toe is a hoof problem where a small hole appears in the white line, typically in the toe area. It's caused by a combination of factors including poor hoof trimming (or overgrown hooves), environmental conditions, nutritional factors and opportunistic bacteria and fungi lodging into the hoof via a defect or stretched laminar line. Regular cleansing, inspection of the hoof, attention to blocking any areas of stretched white line and balanced hoof trimming can help prevent seedy toe.  Read more on Seedy Toe here 

2. Thrush

Thrush is a bacterial infection that thrives in moist environments (though it can present in dry conditions too). It can cause pain, lameness, and a foul odour "smelly crack".  Regular cleaning and drying of the hooves can help prevent thrush. Ensuring good hoof hygiene with a daily routine of cleansing and applying topical hoof care solutions can help.  Read more on Thrush here

3. White Line Disease

White line disease is a condition where the bond between the hoof wall and the sole is compromised, leading to a gap that can fill with debris become the perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria to feed and if left unchecked, can mean lengthy (and expensive) rehabilitation times.  Seedy Toe is effectively White line disease, although Hoof Care practitioners and Veterinarians typically refer to this as White line disease (correct terminology) when the infection is larger than a small Seedy defect in the hoof.  Read more on White Line Disease here

4. Hoof Abscesses

Hoof abscesses are painful pockets of pus that can form in the hoof due to bacterial infections. They can cause sudden lameness and require prompt veterinary attention. Preventing abscesses involves maintaining good hoof hygiene, avoiding injuries to the hoof (but horses will be horses!) and ensuring that any defects within the hoof wall and sole are kept in check so as not to allow pockets of infection.  Seedy Toe can be a contributor as once an infection within the hoof capsule reaches the coronet band, it typically blows out as an abscess.  Read more on Hoof Abscesses here

5. Greasy Heel

Winter's wet and muddy conditions also increase the risk of greasy heel, a skin condition that affects the pastern and heel area. Also known as mud fever or scratches, this condition thrives in the exact environment that Australian winters provide, consistent moisture.  Greasy heel appears as scabby, crusty lesions around the heel bulbs and lower pastern, often accompanied by swelling and heat. The condition can quickly progress from minor irritation to painful lameness if left untreated. Prevention is key: keep your horse's legs as clean and dry as possible, provide adequate shelter from wet conditions, and consider applying protective zinc-based barriers to vulnerable areas. If you notice any swelling, scabs, or your horse showing sensitivity around the heel area, address it immediately with gentle cleaning, thorough drying, and appropriate topical treatments to prevent the infection from spreading up the leg.  Read more on Greasy Heel here

FAQs

Q: How often should I trim my horse's hooves in winter?

Pictured above:  Hoof due for trimming displaying stretched white line, overlaid bars, frog partly shed, cracks in the hoof wall, defected in the white line and imbalance in the caudal hoof.  Many would not consider this hoof due for a trim, however, look at the finer details and you'll see it need balancing and addressing the issues asap.

A: Keep on a regular schedule year round.  We suggest 4 weeks is optimal and 5 weeks max.  This ensures the hoof does not get too lengthy and overgrown and require big changes.  This also allows your farrier to keep a good check on changes to the hoof you will need to address in between their professional help.  We understand the costs add up however keeping on a 4 week schedule instead of 6 weeks, is only an extra 4 visits per year from your farrier and can help prevent many hoof issues by keeping your hoof care schedule tighter.

Q: Can I use the same hoof care products year-round?

A: Yes and no.  Winter moisture requires moisture "sucking" products such as Hoof Powder to the sole along with keeping up with lubrication on the wall with Hoof Balm.  Daily cleansing (Hoof Spray), thrush prevention products (Hoof Pack Clay) and checking the white line for any defects is recommended. Wax based products are such as the Beeswax Blue Balls are perfect for the white line area.

Q: Why is it important to clean my horse's hooves daily in winter?

A: Daily cleaning helps remove environmental debris and ensures you keep a good check on those hooves.  Horses in consistently wet paddocks will require the most attention, especially if they are not moving around much on some dryer ground or being ridden.  Riding out onto firmer surfaces can be challenging with soft hooves, so consider adding some hoof boots and using Hoof Powder in the boots to assist with drying while you're having fun!.

By understanding and addressing these common winter hoof care issues, you can help keep your horse comfortable and healthy and in better shape before the high-risk Spring season arrives.

Julie Wright - Cert.Emt, Dip.EPT

©️2025 The Hoof Co