Many herbs are incredibly beneficial for ­stimulating strong and healthy hoof growth, and can also significantly increase the rate of growth. Some herbs help by directly increasing the rate of cell ­division; others contain valuable trace elements and ­nutrients for improving the strength and quality of horn.

Others help indirectly by increasing circulation right throughout the horse’s body and even in micro-capillaries, thus efficiently distributing valuable nutrients directly to the growth surfaces where they are most needed.

Healthy hooves are not too brittle or too soft, and in dry conditions will have a natural sheen. They also shouldn’t chip or crack easily but, in the case of barefoot horses, this could occur purely due to mechanical forces if the horse is not trimmed correctly and/or not properly conditioned to the terrain he is required to work or live on.

Choices for hooves

My first-line choice of herbs for improving hoof growth would be: Rosehips, Kelp, Comfrey and Nettle. Comfrey improves circulation and contains a substance called allantoin that rapidly increases the rate of cell division, whether used internally or externally. Both Rosehips and Nettle are excellent for stimulating circulation, and both are very good sources of vitamin C, which will help to strengthen protein bonds, and so will improve the integrity of the new growth.

Because Rosehips have a well-known history of being extremely effective at improving the quality of hoof growth, it was initially believed to contain high levels of biotin, but several analyses have found that the amount it does contain is negligible, so Rosehips' efficacy is now primarily thought to be a result of its high vitamin C content. Rosehips are also a rich source of anti-oxidant bioflavenoids, so they could well also play a foundational role in helping the body to produce consistently healthy tissue.

Rosehips are a good source of copper, of which a deficiency would result in brittle hooves and hair. Deep Sea Kelp is an excellent source of a wide array of protein-building amino acids, as well as valuable trace minerals, including zinc. These four herbs are readily available in South Africa, and are very cost-effective.

Another natural supplement that is highly recommended as a first-line supplement for improving hoof quality, would be brewer’s yeast. It is rich in B vitamins (including biotin) and minerals (including selenium and zinc) and is also rich in amino acids. It’s also a very cost-effective option, and would compliment the herbs mentioned above.

Other good herbal choices would include Garlic, Yarrow, Hawthorn and Clivers. Garlic, Hawthorn and Yarrow are all circulatory stimulants and are also nutritionally valuable. Clivers is a rich source of silica and copper, but it is an expensive imported herb and there are much cheaper substitutes available locally, such as Rosehips for copper. Oats and French Millet seed are both far cheaper and easier to source, and both are excellent substitute sources of silica.

By using a blend combining most of the herbs mentioned in this article, my clients regularly report that they, and their farriers, have both seen a considerable improvement in their horses’ hoof quality. Some have even reported that they have seen coronet band injuries grow out completely within five months – this is quite remarkable considering that the accepted average rate of hoof growth, from coronet band down to the ground, is nine months.

I have been monitoring my own horses’ rate of hoof growth closely, and they have also been maintaining a five-month growth cycle, as they are also supplemented with several of the herbs in this article as a part of their general health routine.

Externally, apple cider vinegar can be used as a 20-30 min soak (either at 100% strength, or at a 50/50 dilution with water) to help get rid of deep-seated pathogens in wall cracks or sheared heels. A soaking boot can quite easily be fashioned out of an old inner tube, and held in place with a leg-wrap and a bandage.

Tea-tree, Lavender and Rosemary essential oils can be squirted neat into deep cracks and clefts, and these oils can also be mixed in a 5-10% dilution with either a little apple cider vinegar, Calendula or propolis tincture and used as an effective anti-fungal thrush paint.