05/27/2026
With all this rain that we have gotten, I thought I’d take a moment to explain why it’s very important to try to take care of your horses feet right now.
Thrush is one of the biggest issues you’re going to try to fight against. “Thrush” is a very common hoof issue in horses, especially during long periods of rain and muddy conditions. Thrush is a bacterial (sometimes fungal) infection that develops in the frog of the hoof — usually in the deep grooves beside or behind the frog where moisture, mud, manure, and bacteria get trapped. It often has a strong foul smell and can look black, soft, or mushy.
If left untreated, thrush can become painful and start eating away at healthy hoof tissue. Horses may become sore, tender when picking feet, or even lame in severe cases. Deep infections can make it harder for the hoof to stay healthy and balanced over time.
This is why picking out your horse’s feet is SO important during rainy weather. Constant mud and moisture soften the hoof and create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Cleaning feet daily helps remove packed mud, manure, and rocks while also giving you a chance to catch problems early before they become serious.
A few simple things can make a huge difference:
🩷 Pick feet daily (sometimes twice a day in wet weather)
🩷 Keep stalls and pens as dry as possible
🩷 Give horses access to dry ground when you can
🩷 Watch for bad smells, black discharge, or sensitivity
🩷 Use hoof treatments if you notice early signs of thrush
Healthy feet are the foundation of a healthy horse — especially during constant rainy weather! 🐴💙
