Keratex Hoof Gel - 500ml

Keratex Hoof Gel – 500ml

Keratex describe Hoof Gel with the analogy that makes it click: it behaves like the breathable membrane in outdoor clothing, letting moisture out of the horn while stopping rain, urine and ammonia getting in. That is the opposite of what a traditional hoof oil does, which is to seal everything in and everything out at once.

The 500ml bottle is the size for one or two horses through a season, and the practical difference you notice is that the foot stays the same through a wet week rather than going soft and spreading at the heels. It is applied every couple of days rather than daily, and it must not be used on top of oils or greases — those two things together are the usual reason people find it is not working for them.

Performance & Benefits

• Hydrophobic rather than oily: blocks water getting in while still allowing the horn to breathe.
• Protects against damage from manure, urine and standing water.
• Holds the horn’s natural moisture level, which is what prevents cracking in dry spells as well as softening in wet ones.
• Applied to soles and frogs it helps stop snow balling up in the foot.
• Keratex state it carries natural disinfectant properties.
• Buffs to a natural shine for showing without picking up bedding.

Suitable For

• Horses on wet pasture or standing in on damp bedding.
• Feet that go soft, spread or lose shoes through a wet winter.
• Dry, hard-ground summers where the wall starts to crack.
• Turnout in snow, applied to the sole and frog.
• Not a conditioner or a shine dressing for sound, dry feet — Keratex Coconut Oil Hoof Balm is the product for that.

How to Use

• Apply every two days in normal conditions; every four days is enough through a dry spell.
• Put an extra coat on before turnout into snow or deep mud.
• Cover the wall, and the sole, frog and heel bulbs where you want the full barrier.
• For showing, apply, let it dry, then buff with a cloth.
• Do not use it alongside conventional hoof oils or greases — Keratex are explicit that the two do not mix.

Specification

• 500ml bottle. Keratex also supply the same gel in 1 litre.
• Keratex barcode 5036486000031.
• Keratex publish no ingredient list or percentage composition for Hoof Gel, so none is stated here.
• Keratex’s own product information cites a Horse-Journal “Best Buy” rating for the gel.

Care & Caution

• Do not apply over hoof oil or grease, and degrease the foot first if it has been oiled.
• Keep it out of eyes and off broken skin; wash your hands after applying.
• Let it dry before the horse walks onto a hard, smooth surface — a freshly gelled sole is slippery.
• Store the bottle closed and out of reach of children and animals.