When it comes to hoof dressings: firstly, ask yourself – what am I applying it for?

If you’re trying to improve the quality of your horse’s hooves then your first port of call should always be to talk to your farrier. Not all dressings and oils are created equally, some are helpful for hoof quality, some just for a shine. Hoof dressings should not replace balanced nutrition in your search for strong, healthy hooves.

Having said that, the Irish weather can be a beast and the forced transition from wet to dry for your horse’s hooves can be helped by the right product.

Know what you need your dressing for – if it’s purely aesthetics for a show, then make sure you choose one with the right finish and that is the right colour. If it’s more to nourish your horse’s hooves, there are plenty to choose from, some more natural than others, always read the label.

There are plenty of dressing and product reviews online to read or friends to chat to at the yard if you want to find some endorsement from fellow horsey folk. Horse Sense has picked a few of their favourite dressings, conditioners and oils – all available online, prices vary.

Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree Hoof Oil

A modern alternative to traditional style oils. Maintains and protects the hoof, leaving a lasting show ring shine. This rich, translucent oil, is suitable for all hoof colours. Contains Tea Tree Oils which have natural properties to support the hoof. Smells divine.

WildWash Equine Wonder Balm

This multipurpose soothing and moisturising Wonder Balm is full of natural ingredients. It can be used as a dressing to help maintain healthy and beautiful hooves or it is perfect for use on hot spots, itchy spots, minor cuts, scrapes and grazes. It’s a handy tub to have around the yard.

Equine America Hoof Balm

Equine America Hoof Balm is a super concentrated blend of natural oils that shine, moisturise and nourish the hoof, whilst still letting it breathe. These oils are beneficial to the health and nourishment of the hooves and enable the delivery of moisture and nutrients, deep into the inner layers whilst providing bacterial and anti-fungal support. In dry conditions, it provides excellent moisturising properties, whilst in winter it provides a water barrier while continually letting the hoof breathe.

Absorbine Hooflex Original

Liquid Conditioner

Absorbine Hooflex Original Liquid Conditioner has according to the manufacturers ‘been trusted by farriers for over 70 years’. It helps restore and support strong, healthy hooves all in a handy liquid with a brush applicator to make application fast and easy for fidgeting horses. It helps to protect against drying and cracking and also helps to protect the hoof wall sole and frog. A great all-rounder.

Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream

Leovet Elastic Cream is a hoof care product that helps to improve the elasticity and resilience of your horse’s hooves. It is made with a blend of natural ingredients, including coconut oil, sea buckthorn, sunflower oil, and grape seed oil. These ingredients help to nourish, moisturize, and strengthen the hoof, while also maintaining its natural elasticity.

Cavalor PodoGuard

Another good all-rounder Cavalor PodoGuard combines two oils: a nourishing oil, with active ingredients that are absorbed deep into the hoof, and a unique essential oil for optimum hoof growth, development and quality. The essential oil also helps inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, which results in a healthier hoof.