Herbs for Happy Hooves

What herbs can you use to improve your horses’ hooves?

Rosehips – Feeding roseships helps to build strong hooves and help with abscesses. Rosehips contain the highest plant source of Vitamin C and numerous bioflavonoids (quercitin, rutin, hesperidin & others), mucilaginous compounds, astringent compounds and aromatic compounds, calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, Vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and fibre.Vitamin C is an essential nutrient most known for its ability to strengthen capillaries and connective tissue.

Linseed – Linseed (flaxseed) oil can be to painted on the hooves and crushed or boiled linseed can be added to the feed.

A good quality natural mineral supplement is a must in many areas of the world unless the soil is brilliant. Consider feeding a small amount of natural unprocessed seaweed, such a nori, which contains all the trace minerals. Perhaps a 1 cm strip cut from a strip of nori sheet given every couple of days.

Silica – is known as a mineral for strengthening hooves and improving your horses’ coat. Herbs high in silica such as clivers and millet may also be to add to the feed.

Happy Horsing,

Fiona Adams

Farrier trimming hooves