Does water dry out or moisturize a horses hoof?

Question

I know this question was asked in a previous question but it wasnt directly asked so I figured id just ask it because i want to know too.lolz

Answer 1

Both.

If you live in a dry climate, a little water can contribute to the hoof's moisture content and overall health.  It's temporary, though, because the moisture should be more of an oil type.

If you live in a wet climate, the water tends to draw out the natural oils that keep the hoof moist and dry it out.

The best thing is to maintain the natural moisture.  In dry climates, use a moisturizing hoof treatment like Rainmaker.  In wet climates, use a sealing treatment.

Answer 2

It's like fingernails - if it's in water too much it gets soft and breaks or crumbles easily and can get a fungal condition. If it's too dry it becomes brittle and can break.

You have to find a balance.

Answer 3

Water is wet, therefore it will not dry out your horses hooves, however it will not moisturize either as it will evaporate---your horses hooves will stay in relatively the same condition after going through water...unless they have to stand in it aka. a muddy field...then problems such as Thrush & Scratches(on the fetlock) can result.

Answer 4

You already have your answer. It will have a similar affect as your fingernail. (and to maddog..Neither your fingernail or a horses hoof is made of bone).

If the hoof gets wet for a limited amount of time I wouldn't expect much difference, but if left soaking for extended amounts of time the hoof will get soft.

Answer 5

Hooves are moisturized by the blood circulation on the inside.  Moisture on the outside will evaporate when the hoof dries, which has a drying effect on the hoof.  Mud actually draws moisture from the hoof. To the poster above, the hoof exterior is not made of bone.

Answer 6

a horse foot is made of bone like your figernail

so the question dose your figernail get dry or moisturize it's the same.

Answer 7

It won't dry it out. I wonder what the main reason for asking this question though. Hard to answer if not knowing the purpose. Hosing or a horse crossing a river or soaking the hoof in warm water with Epsom salt to draw out something won't really affect the hoof. But standing in water, mud, un-cleaned stall or muddy paddock for long periods of time, can cause problems, like thrush. Too much moisture can cause thrush and if not treated soon enough, can cause even worse problems. Hope I've helped.

Answer 8

Water in excessive amounts, (long term exposure to mud or standing water) will soften the hoof just like soaking in a long bath will make your finger nails soft.  

The reason that water gets the reputation for dying out hooves is that after the water does dissipate from the hoof, it usually is followed by hoof cracking and breaking.  The water hasn't dried to hoof causing it to crack, it has left the foot squishy and prone to breaking on harder ground.

Answer 9

Moisturize means to "add moisture" or in other words "increase the concentration of liquid"

Yes, yes it does.  

Answer 10

Water transition from outside to inside, is minimal in a horse's hoof. In all retrospect, the horse stands on what would be our middle finger. Yes, if a horse stands in water or mud constantly - it would eventually get soft like our fingernails do - however, a horse's hoof is much thicker and hardier than our own fingernails so it would take a long time. Hope this helped :)

Answer 11

Water will moistureize the horses hoof. they are just like are nail and when you put your nail in water they get soffter and they get mostureized. i have read a lot about it. if you would like to know more look under natural boarding.

Answer 12

Moisture is water so no. If the hoof is in water for too long it could grow a fungus called Thrush. Cracks are caused from too much dry weather!

Answer 13

Probabaly neither.