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Horses booted legs to help prevent injury

Your horse’s hooves have a lot to answer for – not only do they support his entire 500kg+ of bodyweight, but they house some of the most important structures within his body. If not properly taken care of, the ensuing issues could spell the end of his ridden career. That’s why, when it comes to your horse’s hoof health, it’s absolutely vital that he’s getting everything he needs. While your approach must be multi-pronged – complemented with regular farriery to suit your horse and gold standard management practices – it’s common knowledge that good hoof health and growth comes from within.

Top tip

Choosing a supplement to support your horse’s hooves should be a long-term commitment. You can’t expect to see any noticeable differences for at least 8–12 months.

Poor quality horn, slow growth, cracks and splits are all problems usually attributed to deficiencies within the diet, so by providing your horse with specific daily nutritional support with a purpose-built supplement, you’re sure to notice the difference.

What to look for?

In order to grow healthy hoof horn, you need to ensure your horse is getting all of the vitamins, minerals and proteins he needs from his diet. This can be easily incorporated into his ration in the form of a compound feed fed at the recommended rates, or by adding a balancer or vitamin and mineral supplement to his bucket feed. However, if you’re looking to offer him additional, more targeted support, you might turn to the help of a hoof supplement. One of the most common ingredients, proven to be effective by numerous studies, is biotin. Believed to support the production of keratin – a key component of your horse’s hoof horn, hair and coat – there have been a number of studies into its relationship with hoof health and growth. Other popular ingredients included in the formulations of many hoof supplements include...

amino acids methionine, lysine, cystine and cysteine
B-vitamins
fatty acids
manganese
selenium
sulphur
vitamin C
zinc

Top tip

Recommended biotin feeding rates vary, so do check what your chosen supplement suggests. As a general guideline, aim to feed at least 3–4mg per 100kg bodyweight every day – that’s at least 15-20mg for a 500kg horse.

What's on the shelves?

The price per day has been formulated using the largest pack size available, which is often the most economical way of feeding a supplement.

Hilton Herbs Hoof & Health

From £17 for 2kg

A balanced herbal blend combining seaweed and rosehips with biotin and essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. For all-round optimum health.

hiltonherbs.com

18p price per day
Larger sizes available

Aviform Biodura

From £24.95 for 500g

A balanced biotin hoof supplement designed for horses who have weak, cracked or brittle hooves. Suitable for short- and long-term hoof health.

aviform.co.uk

21p price per day
Larger sizes available

Dodson & Horrell Hoof Support

From £18.50 for 1.5kg

Complete, high-specification pelleted supplement containing biotin, zinc, methionine and essential fatty acids, and mint and basil for palatability.

dodsonandhorrell.com

25p price per day
Larger sizes available

Rowen Barbary Hoof Complex

£27.35 for 5kg

An advanced formula that provides all the necessary nutrients for strong hoof growth. Suitable for horses prone to weak, cracked hooves.

rowenbarbary.co.uk

55p price per day
Larger sizes available

Horse First Hoof First

From £23 for 250g

A unique formula that contains high levels of biotin, as well as essential vitamins and minerals including methionine, lysine, zinc and copper.

horsefirst.net

58p price per day
Larger sizes available

Equine America Super Hoof Powder Plus

From £25.99 for 500g

A concentrated supplement containing high levels of active ingredients biotin, zinc, methionine and sulphur. Stimulates quality hoof and horn growth.

equine-america.co.uk

70p price per day
Larger sizes available

Life Data Labs Farrier’s Formula

£44 for 5kg

Pelleted form to help support healthy growth and structure of your horse’s coat and hooves. Containing omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

lifedatalabs.com

75p price per day

Foran Equine Hoof Aid

£39.95 for 1kg

A biotin-rich hoof-strengthening supplement that contains methionine, zinc, calcium and phosphorus to support the growth of healthy hoof horn.

foranequine.com

80p price per day

Equi Life Formula4Feet

From £36.74 for 7kg

Developed at The Laminitis Clinic, this pelleted supplement contains a unique blend of over 65 micronutrients in a highly-palatable form.

equilife.co.uk

90p price per day
Larger sizes available

Lincoln Biotin daily tablets

£14.50 for 60 tablets

A convenient and easy way to feed optimum levels of biotin, these mint flavoured treats are perfect for fussy eaters or if no hard feed is being given.

lincolnhorsecare.com

97p price per day

Audevard Hoof Biotine

£55.99 for 1kg

Comprehensive formula that contains recommended levels of biotin as well as 14 essential micronutrients. Improves coat and mane as well as hoof quality.

audevard.com