If you've spent any time around horses along with dry, brittle feet, you probably know how frustrating you should discover something that actually works, but I lately started using hoof marvel and it's been a total game-changer intended for my mare. I've gone through dozens of different oils, ointments, and "magic" polishes over the years, and most of them just leave the sticky mess on the stall floor or gum up our brushes. This things is just different. It's not your typical greasy dressing, and honestly, that had been the first factor that caught our attention.
I remember last summer when the terrain turned into literal concrete. We hadn't had rain within weeks, and my horse's hooves were starting to look like old, cracked art. She was tossing shoes right and left because her hoof wall space were so frail they couldn't actually hold a nail. That's a nightmare for any rider, not to point out expensive when you start paying for crisis farrier visits every single ten days. I actually needed something that would actually permeate the hoof walls, not only sit on top of it looking pretty.
The Problem With Traditional Hoof Oils
Most of the products the truth is upon the shelf on the local tack store are oil-based. Don't get me incorrect, they make the feet look shiny for approximately five minutes, but I've always experienced like they just seal the problems in—or worse, keep your dampness out . When the hoof is already dry, putting a thick layer of grease over it is definitely similar to putting a plastic bag over a wilted vegetable. It doesn't actually help the hydration situation.
As well as, have you ever attempted to apply that stuff in the wind? You end up with more oil on your jeans and your own horse's feathers compared to for the actual hoof. And when you're within a sandy area, forget it. Your horse walks away of the brushing stall and abruptly appears to be they've been breaded for a deep fryer. That's why switching in order to a non-greasy formulation like hoof marvel felt so refreshing. It's a liquid spray, therefore it actually gets directly into the nooks plus crannies without making a dirt magnet.
What Exactly Is This Stuff?
Basically, it's a hoof conditioner that's designed to regain the natural moisture balance. It doesn't use petroleum or even harsh chemicals that will can break down the particular hoof's integrity over time. Instead, functions with the hoof's natural structure. When you spray it on, it is possible to observe it soaking in. It's almost like the hoof is definitely "drinking" it up, especially if the horse has been standing in dry bed linen or out within a parched meadow.
I've found that it is most effective when the feet are clean, obviously. I give the particular feet a fast brush to get the particular dust off and then give them a good misting. The best part is that it doesn't leave that major residue. You can apply it on, wait a minute, and you're good to go. No more worrying about staining your breeches if your own horse happens in order to brush against your leg.
Precisely why Farriers Actually Like It
If you want to know if a hoof product will be any good, request your farrier. Most farriers I understand absolutely hate almost all hoof dressings. These people hate the goop that gets almost all over their rasps and aprons, and they really hate how some natural oils can make the hoof wall as well soft and soft. Comfortable hoof will be just as poor as a brittle one because the particular nails won't stay tight.
The first time my farrier came out after I'd been using hoof marvel for a few weeks, he actually commented upon the texture of the horn. He said the hooves experienced "alive" and got a much better spring to them. They weren't chipping away whenever he used nippers, and the wall felt solid although flexible. That had been the real proof regarding me. When the man who spends most day looking from feet says it's working, I'm willing to trust him.
Using it as the Laber-Saver
Another thing I noticed is that this particular product doubles since a bit of a tool intended for the farrier. In case you have a horse along with really hard, flinty feet, it can be a physical struggle for the particular farrier to trim them. I've started spraying the feet down about 15 or 20 mins before he arrives. It softens the particular hoof just good enough to make the trimming process softer without making the wall "punky" or weak. It's a small gesture, but your farrier's back again will definitely say thanks to you.
Genuine Results in Different Seasons
I used to think hoof treatment was just a "summer problem, " but winter can be just like challenging. Between the cold temperatures and the particular constant cycle associated with mud to icy ground, hooves get a beating. Within the winter, I actually use it to help prevent the hoof from soaking up too much moisture from the mud while furthermore keeping it from drying out within the sub-zero atmosphere.
This might sound a bit contradictory, yet a healthy hoof is focused on balance. This needs in order to broaden and contract because the horse moves. When the hoof gets too dried out, it loses that will "shock absorber" quality, which can lead to soreness as well as lameness. By keeping the particular moisture levels consistent, I've noticed our horse is much more comfortable on various kinds of footing.
Could Fit It Into Our Routine
I'm not someone who has 3 hours to invest with the barn every day, so efficiency is usually huge for myself. I keep a bottle of hoof marvel ideal inside my grooming bag. It's way faster than dipping a brush into the can of goo.
- Clean your toes: Pick all of them out and provide the particular outside a fast once-over with a stiff brush.
- Spray aside: We do the coronary band, the hoof wall, and also the frog plus sole.
- Let this sit: By the time I've finished tacking up, it's usually fully absorbed.
It's also excellent for those occasions when you're headed to a show and want the hooves to look neat nevertheless don't want that will super-fake, high-gloss shine. It offers the feet a clean, natural, healthy look that says "I get care of our horse" without looking like you're trying too hard.
Is It Well worth the Money?
Let's be real—horse things is expensive. We're all trying in order to find ways to save a buck where we are able to. But when you think about the price of a lost shoe, a cracked hoof wall, or the horse that's "ouchy" and can't be worked, a container of conditioner will be pretty cheap insurance policy.
Since it's an aerosol, a little goes a long way. You aren't wasting half the container because it leaked in your trunk or got polluted with dirt. Every drop goes specifically where it's intended to. I've discovered that one bottle lasts me quite a while, even using it several times per week upon two different race horses.
Conclusions on Hoof Health
At the end of the time, there's no alternative for good genes and a well balanced diet, but most of us aren't fortunate enough to have race horses with perfect "iron" feet. We need to assist them out where we can. Regardless of whether you're dealing with the dusty paths of summer or even the dry, heated air of the winter season boarding stable, keeping those feet hydrated is a constant battle.
I'm honestly just pleased I found something that isn't the pain to use. It makes my horse's feet look better, makes my farrier's job easier, and keeps my mare properly on the particular trails. If you're tired of the sticky oils and the constant chipping, you might want to give hoof marvel a shot. It's one associated with those rare items that actually does what says on the label, plus in the horse world, that's saying a lot.
It's definitely turn into a staple in my tack room, and I don't see that transforming in the near future. Sometimes the simplest solutions—like the good, penetrating spray—are the ones that actually make the biggest difference in the particular long run.