Most equine hoof problems don't appear overnight.
In over 20 years of working with Australian horses, the pattern is consistent. Owners who pick out hooves daily, clean them regularly, and know what a healthy hoof looks and smells like, stay on top of things far more effectively than those who only look closely when something seems off.
Good hoof care comes down to three things: regular cleaning, knowing your horse's normal, and keeping hooves clear of debris and moisture between farrier visits.
Our hoof hygiene range supports that routine. Simple, professional-grade products designed to help you keep hooves clean and well maintained all year round.
That distinctive funky smell is equine hooves one of the first things horse owners notice, and one of the first signs that the hooves need attention.
A smelly horse hoof is typically caused by anaerobic bacteria becoming active in debris packed into the grooves and crevices of the hoof. Low oxygen, moisture, and packed material create the conditions where these bacteria thrive. The frog, central sulcus, and collateral grooves are the most common areas where odour develops.
It tends to be more noticeable in wet weather or when hooves haven't been picked out regularly.
The most effective first step is also the simplest: pick the hoof out thoroughly, remove all packed debris, and clean the area properly. Regular cleaning and consistent hoof hygiene are the foundation of healthy, fresh-smelling hooves for horses.
Our hoof hygiene range is designed to support that routine, helping you keep hooves clean and debris-free between farrier visits.
A good horse hoof care routine starts with picking out the hooves regularly and removing packed dirt, mud, stones and debris from around the frog, sole and hoof grooves. Keeping horse hooves clean between farrier or trimmer visits also makes it easier to notice changes in smell, moisture, texture or appearance.
Equine hoof care products come in different formats depending on where and how you want to use them. Hoof sprays and gels are useful for cleansing, powders can help manage everyday surface moisture, while clays, pastes and mouldable wax products allow more targeted application within hoof holes, old nail damage, crevices and prepared hoof wall recesses.
Horse hooves should be checked and picked out regularly, with frequency depending on the horse’s environment, workload and weather conditions. Horses living in wet or muddy paddocks may need more frequent hoof hygiene than horses kept in consistently dry conditions.
When cleaning a horse hoof, check the sole, frog, central sulcus, collateral grooves, hoof wall and any hoof crevices or prepared hoof wall recesses. These areas can collect dirt, debris and surface moisture, so regular inspection is an important part of equine hoof care.
Each hoof care format serves a different practical purpose. Hoof sprays provide quick cleansing across the hoof, powders help manage everyday surface moisture, clays and pastes provide thicker targeted application, and mouldable hoof wax can be shaped and smeared into suitable hoof crevices or prepared hoof wall areas.
Yes. Different equine hoof care products can be used individually or as part of the same hoof hygiene routine where appropriate. For example, the hoof may be cleaned first before applying a clay, powder, gel, paste or wax product to the specific area where it is needed. Always follow the directions provided for each individual product.
Wet and muddy conditions can leave horse hooves packed with debris and everyday surface moisture. Regular picking and cleansing are particularly important during wet weather, with absorbent hoof powders, clays, pastes and other targeted hoof care products available depending on the area being managed.
Yes. The Hoof Co range includes horse hoof care products designed for regular cleansing and targeted application around the frog, sole, central sulcus, collateral grooves and suitable hoof crevices. Different formats allow horse owners to choose the product that best suits their horse and hoof care routine.
Yes, The Hoof Co’s signature equine hoof care products are made in Australia and are designed for practical use by horse owners and hoof care professionals. The range includes hoof sprays, powders, clays, gels, pastes, wax based products, balms and hoof care bundles.
Start with the area of the hoof you are trying to manage and the type of application you prefer. Some horse owners want a quick spray, while others need a powder, thick clay, gel, paste or mouldable wax for more targeted application. If you are unsure which equine hoof care product suits your horse, contact The Hoof Co for product guidance.
