Crafty COWGIRL: DIY Hoof Conditioner

Aside from being what all horses walk on, hooves are essential in supporting a horse’s weight, helping with traction and balance, and also as shock absorbers for the rest of their body. All of these functions are not easily executed without having proper care and maintenance. We have all seen a dry and cracked hoof, and it’s undoubtedly no joke. Here’s a few simple options for at-home hoof care that you can easily do on your own. 

DIY Hoof Conditioner

Ingredients:

• Glycerin 
• Aloe vera gel 
• Fractionated coconut oil
• 1-inch wide paint brush 
• Sealable storage container 

Instructions:

1. Measure out one cup of fractionated coconut oil and place into storage container.
2. Measure out ½ cup of aloe vera gel and ½ cup of glycerin, then add both to container.
3. Stir or put on lid and shake (always been sure to stir or shake before each use).
4. Using the paint brush, cover the entire hoof, including the frog, sole, heel, and outer hoof wall. This solution can even be applied to the coronary band and into the edge of the hairline. Work this quick application into your weekly (or even daily) routine!

Because the ingredients in this recipe aren’t necessarily items that you stock readily in your home, we have another option as well. If your horse has relatively healthy hooves anyways and you just want to keep them moisturized and free of cracks, coconut oil on its own works just fine. Clearly the glycerin and aloe vera have qualities that are beneficial, especially for horses that are prone to hoof issues. However, if you’re on a budget or just feeling like being low-maintenance, regular coconut oil can be melted in your hands or in the sun and applied directly to the hoof as well. The benefits of coconut oil for hoof health, as well as overall health, are honestly unreal.

One last thing to keep in mind whenever you’re dealing with your horse’s hooves. It cannot hurt to condition them and keep them moisturized. However, hoof issues can be present due to a nutritional deficit, hereditary problem, or something totally environmental. Obviously we want everyone to test out our recipes and other DIY projects, we just want to be clear that while this conditioner is 100% worthwhile, it is in no way a cure-all for your pesky hoof problems.