Your Winter Hoof Fix with Keratex

New Zealand's winter, while beautiful, can be a real challenge for horse owners, especially when it comes to hoof health. The combination of relentless rain, muddy paddocks, and fluctuating temperatures creates the perfect storm for hoof problems. From softening and cracking to abscesses and infections, our horses' hooves take a real beating. Fortunately, with the right care and the support of quality products like Keratex, available right here at NZ Tack, you can help your equine companions stay sound and comfortable throughout the wettest months.

Winter Hoof Challenges

The constant exposure to moisture during winter can lead to significant hoof deterioration. Waterlogged hooves soften, making them prone to:

• Cracking and splitting: Weakened hoof walls are more susceptible to damage.
• Abscesses: Mud and debris can become trapped, leading to painful infections.
• Shoe loss: Softened hooves struggle to hold shoes securely.
• Thrush and white line disease: These fungal and bacterial infections thrive in damp environments.

Keratex offers a range of products designed to address specific hoof issues, ensuring your horse's hooves stay strong and healthy, even in the harshest conditions. Here's a breakdown of how these products can help:

1. Keratex Hoof Gel: Waterproofing for Wet Weather

• This gel creates a breathable, waterproof barrier, preventing excess moisture from penetrating the hoof.  It's ideal for horses that spend time in muddy paddocks or are prone to softened hooves.
  
  
• How it helps: By keeping hooves dry, it reduces the risk of softening, splitting, and infections.
  
  
• When to use: Apply every other day during wet or humid conditions, covering the entire hoof, including the frog, sole, and heels.
  
  
• Good for:
• Hooves softened by wet conditions.
• Horses prone to hoof crumble, weakness, breakage, punctures, and cavities.
• Stabled horses with wet weather hoof deterioration.

2. Keratex Hoof Moisturiser: Hydration for Healthy Hooves

• Counteracts the drying effects of fluctuating winter temperatures and the drying effects of using hoof hardener.
  
  
• Restores and maintains optimal moisture levels, preventing brittle, cracked hooves.
  
  
• How it helps: Prevents cracks and breakage, promotes healthy hoof growth by keeping the coronary band supple, and gives a smooth, solid finish to the hoof wall.
  
  
• When to use: Apply regularly to the entire hoof, including the coronary band, frog, and heels.
  
  
• Good for: Dehydrated, brittle hooves.

3. Keratex Hoof Hardener: Strengthening from the Inside Out

• This patented formula strengthens hooves by cross-linking keratins and proteins.
  
  
• It's perfect for horses with weak, soft, or cracked hooves, as well as those transitioning to barefoot.
  
  
• How it helps: Strengthens hooves, protects against damage, and prevents existing cracks from worsening.
  
  
• When to use: Apply regularly to the hoof wall and sole.
  
  
• Good for:
• Brittle, cracked, soft, or weak hooves.
• Soft, sensitive, or thin soles.
• Repeated shoe loss.
• Transition to barefoot.
• Hoof damage.

4. Keratex Hoof Putty: Repairing and Protecting

• This putty is ideal for filling holes and cavities in the sole, particularly after abscesses or punctures.
  
  
• How it helps: Seals and stabilises hoof separation, prevents debris from entering the hoof, and disinfects.
  
  
• When to use: Mould and press into the cavity after disinfecting the area.
  
  
• Good for:
• Repairing puncture holes.
• Filling cavities after abscess drainage.
• Providing shock absorption.

5. Keratex Mud Shield Powder: Leg Protection

• This powder creates a breathable, waterproof barrier on the legs, preventing mud and moisture from causing skin irritation and scabs.
  
  
• How it helps: Makes leg hair silky, preventing mud from adhering and protecting against environmental moisture.
  
  
• When to use: Puff onto legs prone to scabs and broken skin in wet and muddy conditions.

At NZ Tack, we understand the challenges of winter hoof care. That's why we stock a comprehensive range of Keratex products, providing you with the tools you need to keep your horse's hooves in top condition. Don't let the winter weather compromise your horse's comfort and soundness. Invest in Keratex, and give your horse the best possible hoof care.