The Horse spotlights five management steps for stronger hooves

The Horse has published a new sponsored consumer-facing article, “5 Secrets to Stronger Hooves,” outlining five practical steps to improve hoof quality in horses: optimize nutrition, keep a consistent shoeing schedule, maximize exercise and turnout, consider a hoof supplement, and stay alert for thrush. The piece, posted May 11, 2026, is attributed to EQUUS and framed around the idea that genetics influence hoof quality, but management can still meaningfully improve outcomes. (thehorse.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and other veterinary professionals, the article reflects a familiar but important message: hoof quality is multifactorial, and nutrition, movement, trimming intervals, and early disease recognition all interact over time. Supporting literature and expert commentary cited by The Horse note that hoof growth is slow, about one-third of an inch per month, meaning visible improvement can take many months, sometimes more than a year. The same background also underscores that balanced diets matter more than single-ingredient fixes, even though biotin and methionine have some research support in horses with brittle or cracked feet. (thehorse.com)

What to watch: Expect continued emphasis on nutrition-plus-management hoof care, with veterinary and farrier teams likely to keep pushing individualized plans rather than one-size-fits-all supplement advice. (thehorse.com)