The best hoof oils for horses, tried and tested by our team

When you’re choosing the best hoof oil, conditioner or other topical hoof dressing for your horse, it’s important to consider your motivations for doing so. If you’re trying to improve the condition of soft or brittle hooves, it’s wise to consult your farrier as some applications may be more of a hindrance than help, and certainly no replacement for good feeding and management.

The hot, dry weather we’ve experienced recently dries out hooves and puts horses at greater risk of hoof breakage. Using a good quality hoof oil on a regular basis goes a long way to protecting your horse’s hooves and keeping them moisturised in these extreme conditions.

Some hoof dressings are formulated to maintain good hoof quality, while others are purely for aesthetic. If your main reason for dressing his hooves is to look good when going to a show, choose one that provides a smart finish and is the right colour.

Best hoof oils for horses, conditioners and other dressings

Described as a modern alternative to traditional oils, this rich, translucent oil from Carr & Day & Martin is suitable for all hoof colours and leaves a long-lasting shine. Contains tea tree oil for its traditional topical supportive effects. Internal brush included.

After testing this hoof oil, Georgia Guerin rated it a 9/10, highlighting its lovely scent. She found it really easy to apply as the brush is small, so quite neat, and it dries with a really natural-looking shine.

This is a super-concentrated blend of natural oils that shine, moisturise and nourish the hoof, while still letting it breathe. The oils enable the delivery of moisture and nutrients deep into the hoof while providing bacterial and anti-fungal support.

Georgia tested this hoof balm and she loved that it is totally natural and rated it 9/10. She noted that it’s also really great value.

This drip-free hoof application from NAF comes in a handy container with a natural brush included for convenience and cleanliness. It can help prevent cracking and drying, and helps to defend the hoof from bacteria.

Georgia tested this hoof dressing and found it to be a great choice. It’s green, which was a surprise – but don’t let that put you off as it dries clear, and was easy to apply as the brush is quite firm.

This hoof cream from Leovet supports the moisture balance and helps to keep the hooves smooth and shiny. Petroleum free formula. Apply to hoof walls, sole and frog two or three times a week until the desired effect is achieved.

Georgia tested this hoof dressing when it was available in an applicator bottle and found it to be really effective and nourishing – a great option if you’re looking to maintain and improve hoof condition. The bristles got dirty and bent when she applied the cream (hers came in a different style pot to pictured), but it leaves a nice shine, and the tub has now been updated so that you use your own brush.

This concentrated formula from Absorbine contains a blend of ingredients that create a breathable moisture barrier to help maintain a long-lasting moisture balance. Regular use of this brush-on formula will help to maintain healthy hooves, with a shine that lasts two–three days. Brush included.

After testing this hoof dressing Georgia said she would recommend it for someone who wants to look after their horse’s hooves but wants a product that doesn’t need to be applied daily. She also used it to help prevent snow balling up in her pony’s shoes.

This natural formula comes in an easy-to-apply liquid form, with an applicator brush included. It’s a trusted formula that provides lasting protection and support for all hooves.

Regular use prevents the hoof wall from drying out; it nourishes the hoof deep down and encourages growth.

This hydrating hoof cream from Lincoln is ideal for use in dry conditions or when horses are stabled for long periods of time on dry bedding. It contains tea tree oil to protect against bacteria and fungi, and helps to maintain healthy hooves and encourage horn growth.

This hoof moisturiser works by maintaining the correct moisture levels in the hooves, which in turn prevents cracking, breakages and flaking of the hooves.

It promotes new hoof growth by keeping the coronary band supple, and conditions and moisturises leaving your horses hooves with a solid and smooth finish.

How to choose the best hoof dressing

When the hooves’ natural wet/dry cycle is interrupted by typical British weather, a hoof oil or conditioner can be of great help. If your horse develops any hoof problems, you should first consult your vet or farrier. Your horse might also benefit from one of the best hoof supplements.

You should also consider the method of application that is required — if your horse tends to fidget, it’ll be worth investing in a product that is quick- and easy-to-apply while cleaning horses’ hooves to avoid hassle and waste. Some come with a brush included, while for others you’ll need to source your own hoof oil brush – ideally with a cap (like this one on Amazon).

How often should I use hoof oil?

Some products require daily application while others can be applied as and when required just check the manufacturers guidelines for their recommended application to get the best results. Make sure your horse’s hooves are clean and dry before application for the best results.

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