NUTRITION has a huge impact on feet and soundness. Changes in hoof growth and/or quality can take three to six months to be apparent. Therefore, changes in diet can take a long time to be seen in hoof quality. Remember, what you feed the horse during the summer months affects the hoof quality in winter months. Therefore, plan to ensure the nutrition is in place for the times of the year which are more difficult for the horse’s feet such as the winter.

Poor hoof condition is common in all types of horses and ponies and can lead to practical problems such as splitting of the hoof and losing shoes as well as foot pain and lameness. In 2013, Jonsson et al reported that the heritability of hoof “health” was low, implying that management including nutrition plays a larger role in hoof health. Therefore, good hoof care management and nutrition are important in soundness.

In horses where you are concerned about hoof quality and growth there is good scientific evidence that Biotin (specifically D-Biotin) can improve this.

Other specific issues to be considered include:

  • Zinc: Horn is composed of mainly a protein called keratin and zinc is vital for protein metabolism - Copper deficiency can have an adverse effect on horn quality, the correct ratio between Zinc and copper is important as these two trace elements interact.
  • Manganese is important in the formation of internal structures of the hoof; however, it is often poorly absorbed. Manganese found in forage varies greatly and a lot of grain is low in it.
  • Methionine is a key amino acid as the production of horn involves the interaction between Methionine and keratin to produce a strong structure.
  • MSM is a bioavailable source of sulphur and sulphur in turn is present in high amounts in keratin.

    • Dr Esther Skelly-Smith BVM BVS MRCVS is an innovative veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in equine veterinary practice. She established Shanaghan Veterinary Services in 2017 which is Ireland’s first integrated veterinary referral service.