Does Hoof Black dry hooves out?

Question

Sundance has gotten hoof blacked quite a few times since July 30. I've just noticed that his hooves have gotten cracked. I just started to apply hoof dressing to strenghten his hooves. I'll use it 2 times a week, will this be enough? If you show often what hoof dressing do you use that works well for show horses?

Answer 1

Most of it does dry out the hooves, yes..but because it is applied only on special occasions, it isn't used that often, normally.  Between times, just about any good hoof dressing will help, plus, there is also a remover that is available that will remove the polish...funny thing, it dries out the hooves worse than the polish.

Answer 2

Hoof black is somewhat drying to hooves.  A good portion of hoof black can be removed if you wash your horse's feet with water, or even if they walk through damp grass.  I'm not certain if washing solves the problem totally since the alcohol is hoof black would have already been absorbed into their hooves.

My farrier is not a fan of hoof dressings, either. He feels they coat the hoof and stop them from breathing well.  

I think alot of the problems from cracked hooves do not come from dry weather, but from wet to dry.  That is a real problem, when they absorbe moisture they swell and then they shrink as they dry.  If this happens regularily they will start to crack.  Just plain dry hooves don't have such problems.

Answer 3

Do you have to paint his feet? Could you just use a dressing that just deepens the natural hoof colour? I would be sure to remove the paint after each use and promptly moisturize, I prefer Hooflex, you can use it more than 2 times a week, try every 2nd day at first (be sure not to paint it over the nail holes) There is a product, pricey but it works, Keratex Hoof Hardener. It hardens and fills in cracks.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Most hoof black polishes contain a high level of alcohol that allows the polish to penetrate the hoof quickly and dry fast.  Due to the alcohol content most do dry hooves out some.  Some polishes do have a remover available, but not all do.  

As for applying hoof dressing, I would follow the directions for the product you have as each sometimes have their own usage and instructions.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Yes hoof black can dry out feet, but a secret weapon is Tuff Stuff...put a good coat on (and let it dry!) before the hoof black and it helps seal out the bad chemicals of the hoof black, while strengthening the hoof wall.