Prioritising Horse Health from Hoof to Heart
When it comes to caring for our horses, many equestrians naturally think of training sessions or arena performances first. However, the journey of lasting performance begins way before tacking up. True equine welfare starts from the ground up – from hoof to heart.
Every rider understands that equine well-being depends on balance: strong, healthy feet promote soundness. This soundness enables reliable athletic performance and physical comfort in turn encourages mental calm and willingness.
Whether you’re competing, schooling or hacking out, understanding and maintaining each layer of this system is key to keeping your horse fit, focused and thriving all year round.
Why Is Hoof Care The Foundation Of Horse Health?
There’s truth in the old saying, “no foot, no horse.” The hooves carry every stride and absorb immense shock, so proper care is non-negotiable.
As discussed in our Hoof Care Guide:
- Clean daily: Remove mud, stones and debris with a hoof pick
- Inspect regularly: Look for cracks, thrush or soft spots
- Hydrate hooves: Apply a hoof oil a few times a week during dry weather
- Stay on schedule: Farrier visits every 4–6 weeks keep the balance correct
Neglecting hooves leads to uneven weight distribution and stress on the joints, including the hocks and stifles. Good footing and regular farrier work create a solid base for lifelong soundness.
What Is A Stifle Injury And How Can I Prevent It?
The stifle is the largest joint in a horse’s hind limb, similar to a human knee. Due to the complexity of this joint (it allows motion in three planes), is it prone to strains or locking, especially in athletic horses.
Common causes of stifle injuries:
- Sudden twists or slips on poor surfaces
- Repetitive stress from jumping or fast work
- Weak supporting muscles
For more information around stifle injuries and a more in-depth discussion of how they’re caused, consult our article ‘What is a Stifle Injury?’.
Prevention tips:
- Maintain hoof balance and correct limb alignment
- Keep your horse fit with controlled, even exercise
- Ride on safe, shock-absorbing footing like Combi-Ride advanced arena surfaces
If your horse is showing warning signs like stiffness, dragging their hind leg or difficulty moving uphill, seek veterinary advice early.
How Can I Safely Improve My Horse’s Endurance?
Endurance builds over time – not through intensity, but consistency. Like we mentioned above, repetitive stress can cause injuries so it’s important to make sure you aren’t pushing your horse further than they can manage.
Start small: Begin with regular hacks or lunging sessions of 20–30 minutes
Vary terrain: Gradual hill work builds strength and stamina – only build up to a trot or canter once your horse is ready
Use interval training: Alternate short bursts of effort with rest to improve cardiovascular health
Prioritise recovery: Schedule rest days and feed good-quality hay for slow-release energy
Progressive training protects muscles and joints, ensuring fitness builds without strain or fatigue.
Eager to learn more or curious about a specific endurance tactic? Read our guide on Improving Horse Endurance for more information.
How Should I Treat Wounds On My Horse?
Even the most careful owners encounter cuts or scrapes. The key is swift, calm first aid – the last thing you want to do is spook them.
Necessary preparation: keep a first aid kit ready with bandages, sterile pads, iodine spray and gloves
Field fences: is it always best to prevent an injury over treating one – check your field fences for anything that may cause injury to your horse and deal with accordingly
Puncture wounds: stop bleeding immediately and gently clean – consult your vet as soon as you can
Below the knee puncture wounds: swelling will naturally travel down the leg due to the type of injury, however if it travels to the knee, call your vet immediately
Abrasion wounds: dry and protect with clean dressings or wound powder (this is where a hose is particularly useful to bring down swelling)
Laceration wounds: use diluted antibacterial wash (like diluted Hibiscrub) to prevent infection
For a more in-depth discussion into treating injuries, consult our Wound Treatment article.
It is important that you always keep vaccinations up to date, especially for tetanus. If you are ever in doubt about a particular injury your horse may have obtained, call your vet.
What Plants Are Toxic To Horses?
Despite the strong build of our horses, we know how fragile they are at heart. Their digestive systems are particularly sensitive – many common UK plants can be harmful if ingested.
Ragwort: damages the liver; toxic even when dried
Yew and Laburnum: can be fatal in small quantities
Foxglove: affects the heart
Buttercups: cause mouth blisters when eaten fresh
Sycamore: can cause atypical myopathy – this is a fast killer in horses
Our advice? Walk your pasture regularly, remove suspect plants and never feed hedge clippings. A safe, well-managed field protects horses from accidental poisoning. If you suspect your horse has ingested something they shouldn’t have, consult veterinary attention immediately.
For more information and to see images of these poisonous plants, head to our Common Toxic Plants Guide.
How Can I Keep My Horse Happy and Mentally Healthy?
A happy horse is a healthy horse, not to mention well-behaved! We have outlined the six ways to improve horse happiness:
Companionship: Horses are social and thrive near others
Routine: Predictable feeding and exercise reduce anxiety
Forage and hydration: Constant access to fibre aids digestion and mood
Turnout time: Regular outdoor movement prevents boredom
Grooming: Builds trust and allows early detection of lumps or sores
Comfort: Check tack fit, teeth and hooves regularly
Small daily actions – consistent care, kind handling and variety – make a huge difference to mental wellness.
How can I Keep My Horse Calm During Fireworks Or Loud Events?
Fireworks are among the most stressful experiences for horses. They react by flight, often causing harm to themselves by the sudden bangs spooking them. As discussed in our fireworks guide, preparation is key:
Plan ahead: Check local firework dates and secure stables
Soundproof where possible: Close windows, play calming music or white noise
Provide distractions: Offer hay nets or treat balls
Stay nearby: Horses take cues from calm handlers
Use rugs safely: Keep them snug but not restrictive
Your reassurance and a quiet environment will do more to calm your horse than any gadget or supplement.
How Can I Keep My Horse Warm And Healthy In Winter?
Cold months bring special challenges – weight loss, stiffness and exposure. We understand the complexities around keeping horses warm during this challenging season, which is why we created our Keeping Horses Warm guide. This outlines the following:
Shelter: Provide wind-proof stabling or field shelters
Rugs: Choose waterproof rugs of suitable weight
Feed: Increase forage – digesting hay creates warmth
Bedding: Use insulating materials like straw or shavings
Cool down gradually: After exercise, walk the horse and towel dry before stabling
By managing nutrition and comfort, you help your horse maintain condition and stay happy through the coldest months.
How do hoof care, fitness and emotional well-being connect?
Everything in a horse’s body is connected. Healthy hooves create correct posture and alignment, which reduce strain on the legs and joints. Fit muscles protect the stifle and back. Calm, content horses recover faster and perform better.
In short: sound hooves + balanced fitness + emotional stability = a healthy heart – both literally and figuratively.