Tip 1: Treat internally with silicon

Silicon mineral has a positive effect on hoof quality. However, it takes a minimum of 4-6 months for it to work properly and before you start seeing results. Therefore, start giving silicon in a timely manner, always choose a well-absorbable form of silicon. Preferably in liquid, hydrolyzed form. This has very small molecules that can pass through the intestinal wall and can be utilized.

Silicon is a product that you use preventively and start on time. In the acute phase, you can give cannabinoids from cloves. These have anti-inflammatory properties, boost resistance, and restore balance in the body.

Tip 2: Treat externally with happy bacteria

You can fight thrush by adding happy/good bacteria to the hoof. Thrush is caused by bacterial (bad) damage, which upsets the balance of the hoof. By applying effective micro-organisms (happy bacteria), you ensure that the good micro-organisms prevail and the bad ones are suppressed. These effective micro-organisms are available in a convenient gel for easy application on the hoof.

Tip 3: Boost your horse's resistance

Not all horses standing in the mud get thrush (or mud fever). It also depends on the resistance and hoof health of your horse whether it is sensitive to thrush. Therefore, regularly give your horse a boost for good resistance. You can do this by feeding extra (liquid) minerals and/or adding liquid nettle tincture to the water. Nettle is purifying for the blood and boosts resistance.

Tip 4: Ensure a clean, dry surface

Good hygiene is important to prevent thrush. Manure, urine, and mud can accumulate in the frog sulcus. The bad bacteria in manure, urine, and mud, along with moisture, attack the frog, making it softer, smelly, and "rotten."

Therefore, promptly remove manure and wet spots from the stall and ensure that your horse always has a dry place to stand outside. For example, make sure the feeding area is tiled, as that's where horses stand the most.

Tip 5: Regularly trim the hooves

The farrier can make a very positive contribution to the recovery and prevention of thrush. By regularly trimming the hooves, the frogs remain clean and maintained. The farrier can also monitor if any problems are starting to occur. Ideally, no more than 8 weeks between trimmings.

Of course, also keep an eye on the hooves yourself by regularly cleaning and checking them. The gel with effective micro-organisms can also be used preventively by applying it twice a week.

Tip 6: Ensure plenty of exercise for your horse

By standing still in a stall or a small paddock where horses get bored, you limit the hoof function of the horse. This reduces blood flow in the hooves/frogs, as well as restricts the natural cleaning of the frogs. So the more your horse can move, the less chance of developing thrush. Go for walks with your horse, for example on a snack walk. Provide entertainment in the paddock, lay down willow branches, create paths with different surfaces, and plant edible shrubs along the edges.