Cracked Horse Hooves: Why It Happens and What to Do About It

Cracked hooves are one of the most common concerns for horse owners in BC's Interior — and one of the most misunderstood. Not every crack is a crisis, but ignoring them can turn a minor issue into a real problem. Here's what you need to know.

Not All Cracks Are the Same

The first thing to understand is that hoof cracks come in different types, and they don't all carry the same level of concern.

Surface cracks are shallow and affect only the outer wall of the hoof. They're very common, especially in dry conditions, and are mostly a cosmetic issue. You'll often see these in summer when hooves dry out and lose flexibility.

Structural cracks go deeper — through the hoof wall and potentially toward the sensitive structures inside. These are more serious and need attention from your farrier. Signs that a crack may be more than surface-level include cracking that reaches the coronary band at the top of the hoof, cracks that appear to open and close as the horse moves, or any sign of lameness.

When in doubt, have your farrier take a look. They can tell you quickly whether a crack needs monitoring or active intervention.

Why Hooves Crack — And Why BC Makes It Worse

Hoof cracks are almost always caused by stress on the hoof wall — and several things can increase that stress.

Dry conditions are the biggest culprit in the BC Interior. Kamloops and the surrounding region are among the driest parts of the province, and hot summers pull moisture out of hooves quickly. Dry hooves lose elasticity and become brittle — much like wood that's been left in the sun. Small cracks form easily and can spread if nothing is done to restore moisture.

Wet-dry cycles are arguably harder on hooves than pure dryness. When hooves repeatedly go from wet to dry — muddy spring conditions followed by dry summer heat, or horses with access to water troughs that wet and dry their feet constantly — the hoof wall expands and contracts repeatedly. Over time this weakens it and creates ideal conditions for cracking.

Nutritional deficiencies play a role too. Hooves are made of keratin, and the building blocks for healthy keratin — biotin, zinc, methionine, and omega fatty acids — need to come from the diet. A horse that isn't getting enough of these nutrients will often show it in the quality of their hooves and coat.

Long intervals between farrier visits let hooves grow unevenly, which puts uneven pressure on the hoof wall and makes cracking more likely. Regular trimming keeps hooves balanced and reduces stress.

What Actually Helps

Hoof conditioners and hardeners

For horses dealing with dry or brittle hooves, a good hoof conditioner restores moisture and flexibility to the hoof wall. These are applied directly to the hoof and work best used consistently — not just when a crack appears. Look for products that penetrate the hoof wall rather than just coating the surface.

Hoof hardeners work differently — they strengthen the wall and are better suited for soft or shelly hooves. Some products combine both conditioning and hardening, which works well for most horses.

In the BC Interior, applying a hoof conditioner through the dry summer months is one of the simplest things you can do to prevent cracking before it starts.

Hoof supplements

If your horse is prone to poor hoof quality regardless of the season, nutrition is worth looking at. Biotin is the most well-known hoof supplement ingredient — it supports keratin production and has a solid track record for improving hoof quality over time. Results take a few months to show since hooves grow slowly, but the difference is noticeable with consistent use.

A good equine supplement will also include zinc, methionine, and omega fatty acids alongside biotin for full support. MadBarn formulates several well-regarded options specifically designed for hoof and coat health — worth looking at if you're dealing with ongoing hoof quality issues.

Consistent farrier care

No product replaces regular farrier visits. Every 6–8 weeks keeps hooves balanced, removes excess growth that causes uneven stress, and gives you a professional set of eyes on any cracks before they become a bigger problem.

Managing wet-dry exposure

Where possible, reducing how often your horse's hooves cycle between wet and wet is worth considering. This might mean managing access to muddy areas in spring, keeping water troughs positioned so horses aren't standing in spill water, or applying a hoof conditioner as a barrier before turnout in very wet conditions.

A Healthy Hoof From the Outside In

Healthy hooves are smooth and consistent in colour, with no visible cracks, rings, or flaking. The wall should feel firm but not brittle, and the sole should be hard and concave. If your horse's hooves regularly fall short of that, a combination of better nutrition, consistent conditioner use, and regular farrier care usually gets them back on track.

Good hoof care is one of those things where prevention is genuinely easier than repair — and in BC's Interior climate, a little attention through the dry months goes a long way.

Hoof Care Products at Purity Feed

We carry a range of hoof conditioners, hardeners, and supplements at our Kamloops and Merritt locations, including MadBarn's equine supplement line.