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
