Horze Guide

How to Treat Thrush in Hooves

Thrush is most common during the damp and wet seasons. It also has a smelly odor which can be identified by a bad onion smell. It is known by black goo that is found on the edges of the frog. It takes root in the soft tissues of the hoof which is located near the frog. When treated quickly it can be easy to get rid of, but if not taken care of it can be hard to treat and will take a few weeks to get under control.

Here are some ways to reduce the infection from starting:

Pasture/Turnout: Make sure they are dry or reduce the amount of mud. If horses are constantly walking around, the mud will get deeper and deeper causing the paddock or turnout to become dangerous. Having thick or deep mud in paddocks can cause a horse to loose shoes constantly or cause thrush. If your paddock or turnout is constantly wet, have your horse come into the barn throughout the day to let the hooves dry out. Applying gravel in a run-in shed can help reduce the amount of wet conditions in your run-in.

Having a regular farriery schedule will keep your horse’s feet balanced and healthy.
When you ride your horse, with each step that is taken, the hoof expands and contracts helping the dirt or debris fall out of your horse’s feet. Exercising your horse is a great way to keep your horse in shape and keeping your horse’s hooves healthy.
Keeping your stalls and paddocks clean every day of manure and urine will help reduce the risk of thrush.
Picking your horse’s hooves out regularly with a hoof pick will reduce the risk of getting thrush. Horses that are out to pasture won’t need their hooves picked out regularly.

Using a homemade remedy, Thrush Buster, and there are other types of medicines that can help remove thrush from your horse’s hooves.