Winter Hoof Care for Australian Horses
Common Winter Hoof Care Questions from Australian Horse Owners
Winter is harder on hooves than most people realise.
Wet conditions, softer ground, and less consistent routines mean small changes don't stay small for long.
In our experience, this is when hoof issues tend to show up faster and hang around longer.
These are the most common winter hoof care questions we get from horse owners here at The Hoof Co, and what matters for your horses hooves when conditions turn wet.
If you're dealing with specific issues like persistent moisture, odour, or hoof wall breakdown, we've covered that in more detail here:
👉 Read: Winter hoof care problems and solutions
Why does my horse get thrush in winter?
Wet, low-oxygen environments create the conditions where thrush is more likely to develop.
Constant moisture, packed debris, and reduced hoof cleaning all contribute to thrush.
In winter, hooves don't dry out the same way they do in summer.
That means:
- moisture sits longer
- debris packs deeper
- grooves stay packed
This is why hoof hygiene becomes more important during this time.
Keeping the hoof clean and maintaining a simple routine helps support overall hoof hygiene through the season.
👉 Read more: What does thrush look like in horses
How often should I pick out hooves in wet weather?
Daily is ideal - especially in wet conditions.
Moisture and debris build up quickly in winter.
If it's left in the hoof:
- it packs deeper into crevices keeping them moist
- creates low oxygen environments - hoof bugs love this!
- moist debris sitting in the hoof softens hoof structures leading to deeper pockets where infection can build.
That's where things start to build, in the central sulcus, areas of separation and up into any cracks in the hoof wall.
Picking out hooves regularly allows you to keep an eye on any changes and of course, makes long term management easier.
It doesn't need to be complicated.
Just thorough.
My horse's frog is falling off! Is that normal?
Some shedding is normal, but most of it should have already happened coming out of autumn.
By winter, the frog should be transitioning into a more stable, functional structure.
If you're still seeing shedding of the frog or sole, it's often because:
- old layers have not been worn off/removed at trims during autumn
- areas of the frog or sole are holding onto debris
- moisture is softening new growth or retained sole/frog layers
Check in with your farrier for these concerns.
When looking at the sole of the hoof you should be seeing:
- fresh, firm, healthy frog tissue
- an open central sulcus (not deep or closing in)
- no dark, compromised areas
- the sole should be firm, even and slightly concave
Over the years of working with hooves, we see that if retained material is sitting in the frog or around the sole, it creates a trap for moisture and debris which can create deeper problems for new healthy growth.
This is where routine farrier appointments, cleaning and hoof hygiene become important. Keeping these areas clear so the hoof can function and regenerate properly.
👉 Read more: Frog and sole shedding in horses
Should I use hoof oil in winter?
It depends on the conditions and how the hoof is coping with the winter conditions in your region.
In winter, hooves are often dealing with excess moisture, not dryness.
In those conditions, applying oil without thought can:
- trap moisture in
- reduce the hoof's ability to dry out
- cover up what you should be focusing on
However, in our experience with consistently wet environments, a product can be used to help limit how much additional moisture the hoof takes on - but only when the hoof is already in a good, balanced state.
Remember - winter conditions typically soften hoof structures which can lead to more expansion in the hoof capsule.
Rather than relying on traditional oils, focus on products that:
- support the quality of new hoof growth
- are part of a regular maintenance routine rather than a shiny hoof fix
- help maintain overall hoof condition
As always, the priority is:
- keeping the hoof clean
- maintaining structure
- staying consistent with routine care and hoof hygiene support
What causes hoof wall cracks in wet-to-dry conditions?
Wet-to-dry cycles don't just "dry the hoof out", they disrupt how the hoof holds its structure.
In winter, the hoof is constantly:
- softening in wet conditions
- then tightening again as it dries
This repeated cycle weakens the integrity of the hoof wall and how it connects to the internal structures.
We see this time and time again in winter and it typically shows up as:
- loss of tightness through the white line
- early separation between the wall and inner structures
- distortion through the hoof capsule
- vertical cracks forming as the wall loses strength
Cracks don't usually start as cracks.
They start as:
- subtle separation
- small areas of distortion
- loss of structural integrity
Then, under load, they split.
Regular hoof care appointments and your attention to detail means you can maintain or improve these before they get out of hand.
When the hoof is already out of balance, wet-to-dry conditions will amplify it.
👉 Read more: Hoof wall separation in horses
👉 Read more: Vertical hoof wall cracks explained
What should I do if my horse has a hoof abscess?
A hoof abscess is a build-up of pressure inside the hoof that needs to be released. This is definitely not something to ignore.
What we see in horses with abscesses:
- sudden, significant lameness
- heat in the hoof
- a strong digital pulse
- reluctance to bear weight
In most cases, your farrier or vet is the first call.
They can assess the hoof and, where appropriate, locate and relieve the pressure safely.
If there is blood, excessive tissue involvement, or you're unsure - this is outside of farriery involvement and will require a call to your trusted Equine Veterinarian.
Abscesses don't usually happen at random.
They often track back to:
- hoof wall cracks or separation
- compromised areas in the white line
- soft or damaged frog and sole structures
- penetrations into the sole
These are the entry points.
Pay attention to how and when it started. Look at the hoof closely, can you see what may have led to a pocket of infection within the capsule?
From a routine perspective, your role in hoof care is simple:
- keep the hoof clean
- monitor changes
- keep an eye out for any separation
- remove any debris from compromised areas daily
Good hoof hygiene supports overall hoof condition but it doesn't replace proper assessment and intervention when required.
👉 Read more: Hoof Abscesses in horses
Is greasy heel the same as mud fever?
Yes, these terms are generally used to describe the same condition affecting the lower limb in wet conditions.
You'll typically see:
- scabs forming on the back of the pastern
- irritated, sensitive skin
- areas that may crack or become uncomfortable
It shows up in various conditions and when the skin is exposed to prolonged moisture and isn't given a chance to dry out properly.
In winter, that cycle of:
- wet ground
- mud sitting on the skin
- limited drying time
is what allows it to persist.
This isn't a hoof issue but it often gets grouped in because it affects the lower limb and shows up under the same conditions.
Managing the environment where possible, and keeping the area clean, plays a big role in supporting skin condition through this time.
Greasy Heel and Photosensitivity can also be a symptom from Mycotoxin ingestion. Removing the cause, adding a toxin Binder such as Mycosorb A+ in these conditions is typically best practice along with topical support with a thick Zinc barrier balm such as Zinc Putty
👉 Read more: Greasy heel in horses
👉 Read more: Mycotoxins in pasture
Do I still need the farrier in winter?
Absolutely yes and this is where most people get caught out.
Hooves don't stop growing in winter. Movement = growth.
With less riding, less daylight, and time constraints of the shorter days, trimming cycles often get stretched out.
We've always found, this is where problems start to compound.
In winter:
- the walls get longer without being noticed
- hoof balance starts to shift
- moisture gets trapped deeper in crevices
Doesn't look dramatic.
But over time, the hoof drifts further out of alignment, and the next trim becomes a correctional trim rather than a maintenance trim.
That cycle of:
- out of balance
- then corrected
- then out again
is what puts unnecessary strain on the hoof, ligaments and tendons.
Keeping a consistent trim schedule helps maintain alignment, rather than constantly chasing correction.
👉 Read more: Why winter trim cycles matter (coming soon)
What hoof products should I have in my winter kit?
Keep it simple. Focus on tools and products that support a consistent hoof hygiene routine.
A basic winter setup includes:
- A sturdy hoof pick which cuts through mud and moisture
- Hoof Spray to cleanse and blast debris from grooves
- Moisture management Hoof Powder
- Regular hoof hygiene support - such as Hoof Pack Clay
- Beeswax balls to help keep debris out of separations or resections
These aren't about fixing problems.
They're about helping you stay on top of hoof care in conditions which become harder to manage.
Used properly, they support:
- cleaner hooves
- clearer structures
- a routine that's easy to stay consistent with
👉 Explore all hoof hygiene products
How do I know if my horse's hooves are struggling with the season change?
Changes rarely show up all at once, they build gradually through the hoof.
You might notice:
- a sulcus becoming deeper or closed over
- the frog losing firmness or shape
- black areas in the hoof where debris has accumulated
- subtle shifts in hoof balance
It's easy to overlook because these small changes build over time.
Regular hoof checks and a consistent routine make it easier to pick up on these small shifts before they turn into bigger issues.
👉 Read more: What does a healthy horse hoof look like
Final word
Winter doesn't always create hoof problems.
It just makes them easier to miss.
Staying consistent with your routine and knowing what to look for makes the difference between hooves that struggle and hooves that come out of winter in good shape.
Julie Wright
Founder, The Hoof Co
Dip. EPT, Cert. EMT
Hoof Care Professional
Over 20 years under the horse
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