Q: What is Hoof Armor?
A: Hoof Armor hoof protection is a tough, yet flexible, abrasive-resistant adhesive coating used to protect the bottom of a horse’s hoof from excessive wear and chipping and also to prevent infections to the rest of the equine foot. Although Hoof Armor is tougher than a hoof, it is more flexible than a hoof so it doesn’t restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof and allows for optimum circulation and hoof health as well as the horse’s natural gait. Hoof Armor protects the sole of the hoof while it becomes stronger and more resistant to stone bruising. The thickness of a callused hoof sole is the key to stone protection. Hoof Armor can be applied to the sole, hoof wall, the frog and heel bulbs; wherever and whenever needed. Being flexible, Hoof Armor will work with any trimming technique, or with horseshoes or hoof boots. Hoof Armor’s antimicrobial ingredient has also been found effective in treating and preventing both White Line Disease and Thrush. Hoof Armor is used in all equine disciplines.
Q: Does it protect against stone bruising?
A: Hoof Armor can help protect against penetration but, being flexible, may not completely prevent bruising. Hoof Armor is like moccasins for your horse.
Q: How long does it last?
A: With typical use (trail riding, ring work) it lasts from trim to trim, or about six weeks. Then it is trimmed off with the excess hoof and reapplied. Riders have successfully completed 100-mile endurance rides over all types of terrain including the 2010 WEG, the 2011 President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi and the Great Santa Fe Trail Race which covered 50 miles a day for 10 days.
Q: What is it made with? Is it toxic?
A: Hoof Armor’s ingredients are a trade secret, but it is essentially a non-toxic epoxy base. The main ingredients of this formula are approved by the U.S. FDA for contact with food. Another ingredient is Kevlar™ the inert bullet proofing material.
Q: How is Hoof Armor applied?
A: Hoof Armor® comes in a two part dispenser and is pre-mixed as it comes out the nozzle. Hoof Armor® is spread with a gloved hand in a very thin coating. Once Hoof Armor is applied it should be liberally coated with talcum powder. The talcum keeps Hoof Armor from smearing until it is harden. A cartridge should coat eight (8) riding horse hooves. Coverage on Minis and Drafts will vary.
Q: Does it seal the hoof from breathing?
A: Contrary to popular belief the hoof below the live coronary, from which it grows, doesn’t breathe. The hoof is nourished from within. Recent University of Penn studies showed that the cells of the outer hoof are denser, to seal the moisture level in the hoof (optimum level: wall = 25%, sole = 50%). The coronary itself creates a varnish coating as the hoof wall grows out that maintains moisture. Hoof Armor just does the same on the bottom. Year round use of Hoof Armor will maintain the same moisture level and the hooves will look great all the time. Hoof Armor can be applied to the frog, commissures and heel bulbs for additional protection on rough surfaces and as a preventive hoof health measure.
