When you’re choosing the best hoof oil, conditioner or other topical hoof dressing for your horse, it’s important to consider your motivations for doing so. If you’re trying to improve the condition of soft or brittle hooves, it’s wise to consult your farrier as some applications may be more of a hindrance than help, and certainly no replacement for good feeding and management.
Some hoof dressings are formulated to maintain good hoof quality, while others are purely for aesthetic. If your main reason for dressing his hooves is to look good when going to a show, choose one that provides a smart finish and is the right colour.
Best hoof oils, conditioners and other dressings
Carr & Day & Martin Cornucrescine Tea Tree Hoof Oil
Sizes: 500ml
RRP: £15.95
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Easy to apply with internal brush
- Suitable for all hoof colours
- If you want to prevent bacteria and fungus
Reasons to avoid
- This formulation might not suit your horse’s need but others to choose from in the range
Described as a modern alternative to traditional oils, this rich, translucent oil from Carr & Day & Martin is suitable for all hoof colours and leaves a long-lasting shine. Contains tea tree oil for its traditional topical supportive effects. Internal brush included.
I tested this hoof oil and rated it 9/10, It has a lovely scent. It was really easy to apply as the brush is small, so quite neat, and it dries with a really natural-looking shine. Read the full Cornucrescine Tea Tree hoof oil review.
Equine America Hoof Balm
Sizes: 500ml
RRP: £14.50
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Natural formula
- Easy to apply
- Good value
Reasons to avoid
- Need to purchase a hoof brush to apply
This is a super-concentrated blend of natural oils that shine, moisturise and nourish the hoof, while still letting it breathe. The oils enable the delivery of moisture and nutrients deep into the hoof while providing bacterial and anti-fungal support.
I tested this hoof balm and loved that it is totally natural and rated it H&H 9/10. It’s also really great value – read the full Equine America Hoof Balm review.
Absorbine Hooflex Original Liquid Conditioner
Sizes: 444ml
RRP: £21.50
H&H Rating: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Doesn’t need to be applied daily
- Conditioning formula
- Brush in-built to lid
Reasons to avoid
- Thicker consistency than some of the others
This concentrated formula from Absorbine contains a blend of ingredients that create a breathable moisture barrier to help maintain a long-lasting moisture balance. Regular use of this brush-on formula will help to maintain healthy hooves, with a shine that lasts two–three days. Brush included.
I tested this hoof dressing and I would recommend it for someone who wants to look after their horse’s hooves but wants a product that doesn’t need to be applied daily. Read the full Absorbine Hooflex Original review.
NAF Profeet Farrier Solution
Sizes: 500ml, 2l
RRP: £17.99 for 500ml
H&H Rating: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Drip free application
- Brush included for convenience and cleanliness
- Helps form a natural barrier against bacteria
Reasons to avoid
- Be careful not to use too much at a time
This drip-free hoof application from NAF comes in a handy container with a natural brush included for convenience and cleanliness. It can help prevent cracking and drying, and helps to defend the hoof from bacteria.
I tested this hoof dressing and found it to be a great choice. It’s green, which was a surprise – but don’t let that put you off as it dries clear, and was easy to apply as the brush is quite firm. Read the full NAF Profeet Farrier Solution review.
Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream
Sizes: 750ml
RRP: £15.50
H&H Rating: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Moisturising
- Bigger pot size
Reasons to avoid
- Not the best shine for show day compared to others
This hoof cream from Leovet supports the moisture balance and helps to keep the hooves smooth and shiny. Petroleum free formula. Apply to hoof walls, sole and frog 2 – 3 times a week until the desired effect is achieved.
I tested this hoof dressing when it was available in an applicator bottle and found it to be really effective and nourishing – a great option if you’re looking to maintain and improve hoof condition. The bristles got dirty and bent when I applied the cream, but it leaves a nice shine, and the tub has now been updated so that you use your own brush – read the full Leovet Hoof Lab Elastic Cream review.
Supreme Products Hoof Gloss
Colours: Clear or black
Sizes: 450ml
RRP: £12.95
Reasons to buy
- Smaller pot size perfect for show day
Reasons to avoid
- Make sure you get the right colour for your horse’s hooves
This easy-to-apply hoof gloss creates shiny hooves and provides condition with beeswax and tea tree oil, which help hydrate hooves. It’s recommended for year-round use but particularly effective during dry weather to moisturise hooves.
Kevin Bacon Liquid Hoof Dressing
Sizes: 500ml, 1l
RRP: £21.66 for 500ml
Reasons to buy
- Easy to apply with brush
- Guards against bacteria
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a thicker consistency try their hoof dressing
A natural formula but in an easy-to-apply liquid form, Kevin Bacon’s Liquid Hoof Dressing has an applicator brush included. Providing lasting protection and support for all hooves, it is a trusted formula with proven beneficial effects. Regular use prevents the hoof wall from drying out.
Lincoln Hydra Hoof
Colours: Natural or black
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £16.99
Reasons to buy
- Supports healthy hoof growth
- Water-based cream for moisture balance
Reasons to avoid
- Available in black or natural ensure you buy the right colour for your horse’s hooves
This hydrating hoof cream from Lincoln is ideal for use in dry conditions or when horses are stabled for long periods of time on dry bedding. With tea tree oil to protect against bacteria and fungi, it also helps to maintain healthy hooves and encourage horn growth.
Pro-Equine Pro-Neem Hoof Oil
Sizes: 250ml or 500ml
RRP: £10.50 for 250ml
Reasons to buy
- In-lid brush for easy application
- Antibacterial and anti-fungal formula
- Promotes healthy hoof growth
Reasons to avoid
- Liquid form might not suit your needs
This formula is an all-natural, gentle blend of botanical oils, including neem oil for healthy hooves all year round. It moisturises, nourishes and encourages healthy hoof growth and elasticity. Regular use helps prevent drying and cracking, while antibacterial and anti-fungal properties help combat common hoof problems.
Cavalor PodoGuard
Sizes: 500ml or 2l
RRP: £22 for 500ml
Reasons to buy
- Protects against bacteria
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive than some of the others available
This mix of nourishing essential oils penetrate deep into the hoof for optimum conditioning. This supports the ideal moisture balance and promotes improved hoof growth, development, and quality.
Silverfeet Hoof Balm
Colours: Natural, black, pink or blue
Sizes: 400ml, 2.5l, 5l
RRP: £11.50 for 400ml
Reasons to buy
- If your horse suffers with bacteria
- Eye catching colours that dry clear to help encourage children
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a thin oil
This blend of mineral oil, beeswax, eucalyptus oil is the only balm available that includes Biomaster antimicrobial technology, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, and so minimises odour. It creates an effective barrier against the environment while conditioning and leaving a lasting shine. The pink and blue colours dry clear but are designed to encourage children to care for the hooves.
WildWash Equine Wonder Balm
Sizes: 100ml
RRP: £19.95
Reasons to buy
- Mulit-purpose balm
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in 100ml so better suited to a one horse owner
This multipurpose soothing and moisturising balm is full of natural ingredients and 100% pure essential oils. It contains shea butter, sea buckthorn oil and kanuka oil, but no parabens, phthalates, phosphates, petrochemicals, sulphates, palm oils or PEGs.
Hy Equestrian Magic Glaze Hoof Paint
Colours: Black or clear
Sizes: 250ml
RRP: £13.99
Reasons to buy
- Smart shiny finish perfect for the show ring
- Quick drying formula
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a hoof oil that’s nourishing
This quick-drying formula from Hy is easy to apply and leaves a smart, shiny finish. It is water based, which prevents the hooves becoming dry, and doesn’t require chemical removal. Its primary purpose is to look smart rather than nourish the hoof. It’s quite runny so you need to take care when applying, but if you don’t rush you’ll get a smart look.
Nettex Traditional Hoof Oil
Sizes: 400ml
RRP: £9.96
Reasons to buy
- Helps promote hoof hygiene and maintain healthy hooves
- Brush applicator for less mess
Reasons to avoid
- Be careful not to apply too much at once as a little goes a long way
This Nettex hoof oil provides long-lasting shine and contains added antibacterial agents to help maintain healthy hooves. This formula will not dry or discolour hooves and is suitable for all hoof colours. It also contains added antibacterial agents to help maintain healthy hooves.
How to choose the best hoof dressing
When the hooves’ natural wet/dry cycle is interrupted by typical British weather, a hoof oil or conditioner can be of great help. If your horse develops any hoof problems, you should first consult your vet or farrier. Your horse might also benefit from one of the best hoof supplements.
You should also consider the method of application that is required — if your horse tends to fidget, it’ll be worth investing in a product that is quick- and easy-to-apply while cleaning horses’ hooves to avoid hassle and waste. Some come with a brush included, while for others you’ll need to source your own hoof oil brush – ideally with a cap (like this one on Amazon).
How often should I use hoof oil?
Some products require daily application while others can be applied as and when required just check the manufacturers guidelines for their recommended application to get the best results. Make sure your horse’s hooves are clean and dry before application for the best results.
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