Hooves

THE HOOF - THE FOUNDATION OF A HEALTHY HORSE
The horse's hoof is an anatomical phenomenon. The horse only stands on the tip of a toe or finger - almost 24 hours a day. It is not without reason that it is said: “without a hoof - no horse”. The fact is that good hoof quality is sometimes a prerequisite for a healthy, dynamic horse. Poor hoof position or poor hoof quality can very quickly have negative effects on the entire body of the horse.

If the horse has hoof problems, this must be considered with special care and attention, with posture, hoof position and feeding the main areas of focus. The hoof needs various vitamins and trace elements such as zinc and biotin to form keratin. Keratin strengthens the outer layers of the hoof and skin. With a keratin deficiency, hooves become soft and prone to injury. Once the hoof is damaged, you have to be patient because they grow relatively slowly - it takes about a year for a hoof to be completely renewed.

COMPONENTS OF THE HOOF
The hoof is a complex structure that encloses the last link of the remaining toe. The following is a brief overview of the terminology:

1 - Toe wall
2 - Side wall
3 - Costumes
4 - Coronet
5 - Bales

The hoof horn with the toe wall and the side walls can be seen from the outside. At the rear end of the hoof are the ball of the toes and the heels. The upper edge of the hoof is called the coronet.

1 - Sole
2 - Beam
3 - Lateral Grooves
4 - Central Furrow
5 - White Line
6 - Supporting Rim

FUNCTIONS OF THE HOOF
The shape and quality of the hoof depends on many factors such as breed, housing conditions, wear and tear, feeding, and cultivation. In the interaction, the shape of the hoof is also decisive for the function of the anatomical structures above it. Important structures are attached to the bones within the hoof capsule, such as the deep flexor tendon, which in turn is very important in its function for the enormous dynamic movement of horses.

The hoof itself has its own dynamic, which is caused by stress, i.e. movement. The hoof capsule is widened and contracted again as a result of the down and up pressure. Blood is pumped through the hoof and back to the heart. This process is part of the cardiovascular system as well as the metabolism. The hoof is also an appendage to the skin and even works as a detoxification organ when the liver is busy, for example.

All of these factors make it clear what an important role the hoof plays in horse health and why we attach great importance to good hoof quality.

With the appropriate care and feeding one can counteract or prevent various problems. With the new Stiefel Hoof Care Series, every possible hoof problem is covered, such as:

• Brittle Hooves
• Cracked Hooves
• Soft Hooves
• Thrush

The new 5-way hoof care series from Stiefel has a protective, caring, regenerating, firming and moisturising effect. Here we briefly introduce the products in detail:

Stiefel Hoof Hardener - With Liverwort Extract
For strong and stable hooves
Stiefel hoof hardener can strengthen the hoof horn and make it more resilient. In the case of unshod horses, this can even reduce abrasion. Daily use is recommended for an optimal effect. Positive effects can usually be seen after a few days. The active ingredients it contains help the hoof horn to combine stability with flexibility. These properties are essential for a healthy hoof. In addition, the hoof is protected from the penetration of external pollutants.

In addition, if the horn quality is inferior, feeding should always be considered. This has a significant influence on the formation of new, healthy hoof material. It takes about a year for a hoof to regenerate

Stiefel Hoof Balm - With Laurel and Tea Tree Oil
Protection and care for a healthy hoof
Effective hoof care through essential active ingredients and essential oils. Daily use can have a positive effect on hoof structure, elasticity and texture. The hoof is protected from harmful organisms. The moisture-regulating effect prevents brittle and cracked hooves. The frog and coronet are cared for and remain supple and elastic.

Stiefel Herbal Hoof Oil - With Hemp Oil, Olive Oil and Clove Oil
Natural care for a strong hoof
Hoof care on a natural basis. Caring vegetable oils and essential oils strengthen the hoof, keep it elastic and prevent cracks. Due to the special composition, the hoof, frog and coronet are cared for and kept supple. The hoof is protected from harmful organisms and aggressive influences, for example by manure. With rapeseed oil, hemp oil, linseed oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, wintergreen oil, clove oil. Without colourings, preservatives, or chemical additives.

Stiefel Frog Care - With Liverwort Extract
For the prevention of frog issues
Protects, nourishes and regenerates the frog, hoof sole and white line. Due to the rich ingredients, fine cracks can be repaired and the regeneration of defective areas can be supported. With a high proportion of moisturising substances, provitamin B5 and lavender oil, Stiefel Frog Care gives the hoof what it needs to regenerate and rebuild healthy, supple material. The liverwort extract it contains helps the hoof horn to protect itself against external pollutants. Even areas of the hoof that are difficult to reach can be safely protected in this way. Stiefel jet care can easily be sprayed onto the hoof frog and sole with the sprayer. It is suitable for daily use.

Stiefel Frog Protect - With an Organic Copper Compound
In the case of acute frog problems
Stiefel Frog Protect protects the hoof frog from external influences such as ammonia or urine in the box litter. These often attack the horn material of the hoof. Stiefel Frog Protect cares for the frog, keeps it dry and can thus prevent germs from penetrating the frog furrow. For use with frog and hoof problems with a highly active carrier substance (organic copper compound). The combination of active ingredients impregnates the frog and sole while maintaining the breathability of the hoof. A particularly deep effect is achieved through the deep penetration into the fissure.

THE INSIDER TIP FOR HOOF CARE:
Stiefel Biotin
Biotin (vitamin H) is suitable for hoof growth, but also for strengthening coat and skin and plays an important role in fat and sugar metabolism. Deficiency symptoms can lead to flaky coats, skin disorders and poor hoof quality with insufficient elasticity. Feeding should take place over a longer period of time (at least 9 months), as biotin can only become noticeable when new hoof cells grow. Highly effective triple formula: Biotin, methionine and zinc.