Ideally your horse’s hooves should be checked and picked out daily, as well as before and after riding. Removing packed mud, manure, stones and other debris helps keep the hoof clean. It also gives you a good opportunity to notice any hoof problems early.
As you clean each hoof, look for cracks, tenderness, unusual smells or discharge, signs of thrush, lodged stones or changes around the frog or sole. If your horse is shod, check that the shoes are secure and there are no raised or missing nails.
If you have any concerns about your horse’s hooves, contact your veterinarian or a qualified farrier for advice.