3 Simple Ways to Relieve Hoof Pain and Stiffness in Horses
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Does your horse seem a little "short" in their stride lately? Maybe they are stumbling more often, or just don't have that same forward impulsion they used to.
As horse owners, we often worry about big injuries, but often the culprit is simple: concussion and lack of circulation.
Whether it’s the frozen, hard ground of winter or the repetitive impact of training on firm surfaces, your horse’s hooves and legs take a beating. The good news is that you don't always need expensive injections to see an improvement.
Here are three changes you can make today to improve your horse’s comfort.
1. Absorb the Shock at the Source The hoof is nature's shock absorber, but sometimes it needs help. If you are riding on hard packed surfaces, dirt, or asphalt, the vibration travels right up the leg into the joints.
Ask your farrier about adding a therapeutic pad. A high-quality pad acts like a sneaker insole for your horse. At Doc Foal’s, we developed The Black Pad specifically for this purpose. Unlike standard pads that just cover the sole, The Black Pad uses specialized material to dampen vibration before it hits the coffin bone and navicular area.
2. Boost Circulation While They Rest Stiffness often sets in when the horse is standing still—this is common in older horses or those with arthritis. The old saying "movement is life" is true because movement pumps blood.
If your horse is stalled for part of the day, consider using therapeutic boots. Doc Foal’s Magnetic Bell Boots are designed to stimulate blood flow to the hoof and cornet band while the horse is resting. Increased circulation brings oxygen to the area, which helps "warm up" the joints and reduce inflammation before you even saddle up.
3. Watch Your Footing This sounds obvious, but it is often overlooked. If your horse is sore:
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Avoid trotting on roads or frozen uneven ground.
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Use sand or softer bedding in the stall to give them a reprieve from the hard floor.
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Give them plenty of turnout time to keep their joints moving naturally.
The Bottom Line You don't have to accept stiffness as "normal." By reducing the shock of impact with The Black Pad and increasing recovery blood flow with our Magnetic Bell Boots, you can help your horse move freely again.