Hoof changes in horses - more common than you'd think
Many horses suffer from hoof changes in their daily lives - here's an overview of typical occurrences and how frequently they appear.
Typical Phenomena Explained Intelligibly
When the stability of the hoof wall decreases
Brittle hooves and hoof cracks
Brittle hoof horn occurs when the horn structure loses its strength. The hoof wall appears brittle, and cracks or chips form along the horn edge.
Hoof wall cracks can be superficial or deeper. Mechanical stress, uneven pressure distribution, and fluctuations in moisture are among the possible influencing factors.
Typical signs include:
• fine vertical or horizontal cracks
• frayed or unstable hoof edges
• uneven horn structure
• visible weakening of individual wall sections
Under continuous stress, existing cracks can worsen and impair the stability of the hoof wall.
If structural changes develop inside the hoof
Blast Decay / Hollow Wall
Thrush affects the frog area of the hoof. The horn in the frog area may appear soft, discolored, or structurally altered. In more advanced cases, deeper fissures may form in the frog tissue.
White line disease refers to a separation or widening in the area of the white line between the hoof wall and the sole. A cavity can develop within the horn structure.
Typical signs include:
• soft or crumbling frog horn
• dark discoloration in the frog area
• fissures or depressions in the frog
• separations in the white line area
• visible cavities along the hoof wall
These changes can affect the structural integrity of the hoof and are clearly visible on a cleaned hoof.
When the connection between hoof wall and sole changes
White Line Disease (WLD)
White Line Disease (WLD) is a structural change in the white line – the junction between the hoof wall and the sole.
In this area, the horn structure can widen or dissolve, creating fissures or cavities along the inner hoof wall.
Typical signs include:
• widened or brittle white line
• visible fissures in the transitional area
• separation between hoof wall and sole
• unstable wall sections in the lower hoof area
The changes are visible on a cleaned hoof and can expand further with ongoing stress.
From practice. For practice.
Daily stable life repeatedly shows: Hoof problems do not arise overnight, but rather develop insidiously over a longer period.
They often go unnoticed for a long time and are only recognized when they are already advanced. Anyone who works with horses daily knows how complex treatment can be in such cases.
It was precisely from this experience that we developed a care formula that specifically supports daily hoof care and helps to keep hooves in a well-groomed condition in the long term.
Ettel's HOOF CARE
4-in-1 care formula for healthy and resilient hooves
Ettels AG
Ettel's Hoof Care - Swiss Made 500ml
The Special Qualities of Ettel's HOOF CARE
Ettel's HOOF CARE is an innovative care formula that
promotes the stability of the horn structure.
Developed for daily hoof care, the formula helps maintain the horn structure's natural stability and elasticity. For well-maintained and resilient hooves in everyday life.
provides intensive care and moisture.
Coats the hoof wall, moisturizes and ensures supple hoof walls. To help prevent the ingress of dirt and pathogens.
for balanced care.
The combination of high-quality ingredients is used for daily hoof care and ensures a stable hoof environment.
is free from doping-relevant ingredients and alcohol.
The composition was deliberately developed without doping-relevant substances and without alcohol.
When is Ettel's HOOF CARE recommended?
In sports and performance - with regular strain and increased need for care
For sensitive hooves - for supportive care with increased infection risk
For preventative care - for daily stabilization of hoof structure
Regardless of discipline or area of use - Ettel's Hoof Care supports a stable and well-maintained hoof structure in every horse.
In a few steps to healthier hooves
Recommended use for existing hoof problems
Apply 2–3 times a week
Recommended use for prevention
Apply once a week
Visible improvement of the hoof surface
After regular use, a significant improvement in the structure is already noticeable
Visible improvement of the internal hoof structure
After regular application, a significant improvement is visible between the hoof wall and the sole
Real people. Real results.
What horse people say about the product
Customer Voices on Ettel's Hoof Care product
Naturally. Honestly. Ettel's.
Ettel’s was created and continues to grow out of daily work with horses. From the ambition to rethink hoof care – honestly, effectively, and uncompromisingly in quality.
