Keratex Hoof Hardener

In a shod horse, Keratex Hoof Hardener benefits to the hoof wall can reduce the issues that arise from cracked, brittle hooves, and make your farriers’ job easier. If your horse has a tendency to throw shoes, it could be symptomatic of issues within the hoof wall. The cross-strengthening action of Keratex Hoof Hardener makes the wall denser, giving more purchase to nails and a capable structure for their insertion, keeping the shoe secure. Applying Hoof Hardener around old nail holes and chips will assist the healing process. For your own peace of mind, Hoof Hardener will also help with horses that are very sensitive in the sole after trimming.

Keratex Hoof Hardener is used in the treatment of brittle, weak or cracked hooves, sensitive soles and is especially useful if you wish to transition your horse from shod to barefoot. In cases of sole sensitivity, existing cracks and brittleness, it is indicated to apply Keratex Hoof Hardener to the lower half of a clean, dry hoof and sole, avoiding the coronary band and frog. Use daily for an initial period of one to two weeks with the applicator brush supplied. Following this stabilisationperiod, application of one to two times per week is recommended for maintenance. Keratex Hoof Hardener has been proven safe for long-term use in a sound horse, with one 250ml bottle lasting about three months.

Keratex Hoof Hardener contains a uniquely patented mixture of aldehydes – namely a small amount of formaldehyde, a substance occurring naturally in all of our bodies and involved in DNA synthesis – combined with other ingredients designed to promote strength and flexibility in the horses hoof. Hoof Hardener works by strengthening cross-linking fibrous bonds of the keratin proteins, which comprise most of the structure of the hoof wall, and reinforcing the natural sulphur links that support a healthy horn. There is no evidence of brittleness with long-term use as part of your overall hoof-care regime.

When transitioning your horse to barefoot, Keratex Hoof Hardener is recommended used daily for one to two weeks, then reduce to one to two times weekly. If your horse remains “footy”, best advice is to examine other aspects of barefoot hoof-care, including good trimming, correct moisture and bacterial levels in the hoof, diet and work-type. In particularly wet weather couple with Keratex Hoof Gel, which provides a waterproof protective layer to keep out water and prevent issues that arise from too much moisture in the hoof, such as softness and splits.

The wet-dry weather cycle is cited as a major cause of foot issues in horses. That is, the hoof being unable to keep up with rapid changes from wet to dry ground in New Zealand’s changeable climate. The hoof needs time to acclimatize, expanding and contracting to suit the ground conditions. Keeping this in mind, the Keratex Hoof Hardener formula allows for elasticity in strength, helping the hoof to remain stable throughout the seasons.

Many horse owners praise Keratex Hoof Hardener as the final piece in the puzzle of cultivating hard and healthy hooves in their horses, no matter the age of the horse nor its job. We all know that horse’s feet are their most essential – quite possibly most delicate - feature and that correct hoof care requires some trial and error on a horse-by-horse basis. A quality Hoof Hardener such as Keratex provides support to the hoof structure while maintaining the suppleness the hoof requires for healthy movement and function, giving you the best possible base to begin from.

You can purchase Keratex Hoof Hardener directly from http://www.farrier-shop.com/products/Keratex-Hoof