Both biotin and hydrolyzed silicon should be given for the long term. Studies on biotin indicate that it takes between eight and ten months before you see a real effect on the hooves. Silicon also needs some time, although you may expect a clear effect on hooves and coat a bit earlier, around four to five months.

Silicon: essential mineral for skin and coat

Silicon is an important mineral for your horse. It allows the body to produce the necessary building blocks for hair, hooves, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Hydrolyzed silicon, which is well absorbable, promotes a greater production of joint fluid and collagen. For your horse's hooves and coat, collagen is an important building block. Improved collagen production due to your horse receiving well-absorbable silicon can result in less hoove flaking and a coat that is more beautiful, thicker, and shinier.

Studies in humans showed a clear effect on nail and hair quality and growth after 20 weeks. Women with thin hair saw an improvement in hair quality and thickness. A similar effect can be expected for your horse's hooves and coat. Additionally, silicon supports cartilage, joint capsules, and bone formation.

Biotin: long term improvement of hooves

Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in cell growth and the production and metabolism of fatty acids. It supports several important processes in the body. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels and strengthens hair and nails in humans, and hooves and coat in horses. Because biotin is not produced in the body of mammals, both humans and horses need to obtain this vitamin through their diet. Some grains and roughage products naturally contain a lot of biotin. Biotin is also often found in concentrated feed like pellets and muesli.

Scientific evidence shows that biotin has a small effect on the growth and strength of horse hooves. To achieve this, you must give the full dose of biotin for a long period of time. Studies show that it takes between eight and ten months before an effect is visible. Biotin stimulates the production and growth of hoof horn, as shown in these studies. Hooves grow slightly more (about 15%) and are also harder. It works better for young animals than for older horses. When you stop giving biotin, hoof quality often deteriorates again, as shown in a study that lasted six years. Smaller doses are also less effective than the full dose of 15 to 20 mg per day per horse.

Silicon does more

Silicon not only has a positive effect on hooves and coat but also promotes bone formation. Because the production of joint fluid is stimulated, a horse that is stiff will move more smoothly after just a few weeks. Silicon also stimulates the body's production of glucosamine. Studies on the effectiveness of silicon are positive. And not just on skin and hair!

Long-term use in particular shows a demonstrable reduction in stiffness and joint problems and an improved bone quality. Another study concluded that adding bio-available silicon improves the performance and resilience of racehorses and can prevent injuries. If there is not enough silicon in the diet, it leads to lower immunity and more severe inflammatory reactions. Additionally, feeding hydrolyzed silicon to horses reduces the ingestion of sand, therefore lowering the risk of sand colic. Bio-available refers to the extent to which the active substances of a product become available at the intended location in the body. This is also known as 'biological availability'.

Conclusion

If your horse mainly has a problem with its hooves, such as cracking, both silicon and biotin are good products. Keep in mind that it takes time to see the effects of both. If you want to do more than just improve hoof quality and growth, then silicon is the better choice. It has a much broader effect than biotin and is also good for coat, immune system, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Additionally, it can prevent sand consumption.

Finally, remember that regular hoof care by a professional is just as important for the quality of hooves as the right diet and supplements!

Sources:

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Wickett, R.R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A. et al. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Arch Dermatol Res 299, 499–505 (2007).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17960402

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Reilly JD, Cottrell DF, Martin RJ, Cuddeford DJ. 1998. Effect of supplementary dietary biotin on hoof growth and hoof growth rate in ponies: a controlled trial.

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Geyer H, Schulze J.. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 1994;136(4):137-49. The long-term influence of biotin supplementation on hoof horn quality in horses.

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