Hoof Care

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$85.90

Keratex Hoof Hardener

Function
The modern usage of the horse produces an unnatural environment for the hooves, and the stress on the horn produced by alternation between work and rest for the horse, particularly the structural stresses generated by fluctuations in temperature and humidity can set up unnatural strains in the hooves which result in damage. The regular application of Keratex Hoof Hardener confers great strength on hooves, without producing brittleness, and resists these stresses. Also, when a hoof is cracked or chipped, increased stresses occur in the uncracked or chipped areas of hoof: these stresses can often cause the crack or damage to spread, It is necessary to apply Keratex Hoof Hardener to the undamaged areas to give them sufficient extra strength to resist the extra stress.

How it works
Farriers have used formalin for many years to harden horses’ hooves. The action of formaldehyde on keratin is well known to be a simple cross-linking action: methylene or bis-thioether groups are added by condensation reactions with reactive amino, sulphydryl or other groups on the keratin helix to form additional linkages to reinforce the rather labile disulphide links which occur naturally. It is quite incorrect to say that formalin hardens horn by removing water, rather, it strengthens it by introducing these extra inter and intra-molecular links.

However, formaldehyde in its simple aldehyde state reacts too quickly: it case-hardens the hoof, thus preventing the entry of formalin to deeper layers, and also creating surface brittleness. Keratex Hoof Hardener contains formalin. It also contains another substance which effectively slows down the reactivity of the CHO group, thus giving time for the aldehyde to penetrate the outer layers of horn. This is facilitated by the presence of yet another compound in Keratex Hoof Hardener which temporarily breaks the hydrogen bonds which join the helix coils internally and externally. Having done this, this compound then evaporates, leaving the hydrogen bonds to re-make once the aldehyde is in situ.

Keratex Hoof Hardener also contains an inorganic complexing agent. One end of the molecule of this agent co-ordinates onto a nitrogen atom in the keratin molecule: the other end forms a ‘large lump’ in the keratin helix, thus effectively adding an aggregate to stiffen the horn.
Finally, Keratex Hoof Hardener contains a plasticiser, to stop the horn becoming brittle, and it also contains a powerful disinfectant to assist in maintaining general hoof health.

Application
Keratex Hoof Hardener should be applied daily for the first week, every second day for the next three weeks, thereafter every 3 or 4 days for maintaining healthy strong hooves. Apply to the lower half of the hoof and to the white line area and sole, making sure to avoid the frog, heel and coronet band.
Presentation

Keratex Hoof Hardener is available in 250ml plastic bottles, with a brush included in the pack.

Leovet Natural Hoof Oil with Brush

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$47.50

A 100g spray bottle of Effol Spröh-Hut-Teer (beetle spray) with a dark gray bottle, yellow and green label, and black spray nozzle, set against a plain white background.

Effol Hoof Tar Spray

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$31.50

VetPro Therapeutic Hoof Oil

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$46.50

Vetpro Therapeutic Hoof Oil has four components to provide therapy for common issues affecting the sole of the hoof as well as combatting moisture loss on the outside of the hoof.

Anti-biotic and Anti-Fungal
Kills bacteria around the frog, sole and white line
Prevent cracking and reduce moisture loss
Provides a Protective Barrier against contaminates

Hoof oils and creams generally help to reduce moisture loss and provide a cosmetic for appearance. Vetpro Therapeutic Hoof Oil has four components to provide therapy for common issues affecting the sole of the hoof as well as combatting moisture loss on the outside of the hoof.

Infections in the sole area are common, in the white line around the wall border, fungal around the frog and clefts, potential infection after an abscess has been opened up or the sole has been penetrated by a foreign object.

With Thymol, Neatsfoot oil, Linseed Oil and Stockholm Tar all actively helping to resolve such issues:

Thymol is a natural powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic active that can reduce oxidative inflammatory damage
Neatsfoot Oil is well known for moisturising brittle hooves, preventing them drying out and cracking. It nourishes the hoof wall, particularly when applied to the coronet band. The high gloss finish on the hoof wall creates a glossy finish for showing
Linseed Oil (Flaxseed) provides essential Omega 3 fatty acids which can improve hoof quality by reducing brittleness and cracking. It is rich in ALA which improves the strength of the hoof horn and supports faster quality growth.
Stockholm Tar is the classic well known hoof support treatment. It is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic and also provides a waterproofing cover . Ideal for sealing cracks and minor wounds and can provide a protective barrier against environmental damage such as bacteria, mud and manure, also excessive water.

Apply daily to the outside of the hoof from the coronet band down. Twice weekly apply to the cleaned sole. In cases of infections, damage to the sole or after abscess removal, apply daily.

For the full resolutions of damaged or poor hoof structure combine with feeding Vetpro Four Feet daily to provide the actives that will grow new healthy hooves .

Flair Rubber Grip Hoof Pick & Brush

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$6.50

Colour

Hygain Hoofgain - an aid in the maintenance of hoof integrity

Hygain Hoofgain™ - Hoof Supplement for Horses

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$93.95

Hoofgain™ - Hoof Supplement for Horses

Same trusted and proven Mitavite® formula in a new look – exclusive to Mitavite® and Hygain®!

AN AID IN THE MAINTENANCE OF HOOF INTEGRITY

A blend of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in a palatable formulation.

Hygain® HOOFGAIN™ is a safe and comprehensive hoof supplement for horses. Our formula provides critical minerals that your horse can't produce on its own - in addition to other crucial vitamins. Contains:

Biotin: A vital co-enzyme to assist in the forming of Keratin from key amino acids.

Methionine: A primary sulphur bearing amino acid that along with cysteine (which Methionine can synthesize) are essential ingredients in Keratin. Methionine must be provided in increased levels where hoof growth is desired.

Zinc: Key mineral in hoof and coat health. Hoof quality will often suffer where Zinc supply is marginal.

Vitamin A: One of the carotenoids essential to all keratinized tissue. Supplementation particularly essential for horses not on high quality fresh pasture.

Vitamin E: Benefits of Vitamin E as an antioxidant are well documented and is also an essential nutrient for renewal of Keratin.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Essential nutrient in the formation of supple and strong membranes including hoof wall microtubules and laminae.

Iodine: Deficiency in this mineral often causes poor coat and hoof quality.

Why are Hoof Supplements for Horses Important?

Hoof supplements for horses are often needed for two major reasons:

A horse is often only as healthy as its hoofs. Horses are literally on their hoofs all day and cannot perform their desired workload if they are in pain or have poor structural health.

Hoof supplements are engineered to provide important vitamins that are often missing from a horse's natural diet. Just as important, the horse supplements provide minerals that a horse cannot produce on its own. The only source of these minerals are straight from the feed and supplements they eat.

If your horse has a demanding workload or is advancing in its years, we strongly encourage you to discuss a hoof supplement for your horse with your veterinarian.