Green clay is a versatile natural product that contains over 70 trace minerals, and has a variety of uses for both human and animal healthcare and wellbeing. Here’s a look at the specific benefits of green clay for horses’ hoof care during the winter months.
What is green clay?
Green clay has a very fine texture and is also known as Bentonite clay, because it is found in abundance in Fort Benton in Wyoming. It is derived from volcanic ash, and it has highly absorbent properties that enable it to draw toxins from the body. It’s also rich in minerals and it has natural healing properties.
What are the challenges of winter hoof care?
If you are fortunate enough to own a horse or pony, you will know that winter is the most challenging time of the year. Fields can soon become poached mud baths after a week of wet weather, and the cold short days means that it takes a long time for the ground to dry out.
When horses stand in wet pasture for prolonged periods of time, they are prone to developing bacterial infections or even abscesses in their hooves. The constant damp can also weaken the walls of the hoof, making it more prone to cracking or chipping, which can be problematic for shoeing.
How can green clay help?
Green clay is an affordable and straightforward way to support your horses’ health. It can be used as a dietary supplement, and also externally as a poultice or wound dressing. It is a multi-tasking product that can absorb extra moisture to keep hooves drier. It also has natural antibacterial properties and can help fight infections such as thrush.
Furthermore, green clay can help to draw out toxins and impurities that may have become embedded in the hoof, and it can soothe inflammation created by infected wounds. This can aid natural healing or be used to complement other treatments.
How to use green clay for hoof care
The best way to care for hooves with green clay is to make a poultice. Start by mixing the clay with water to make a thick paste. Use non-metallic utensils and containers to preserve the ionic charge of the clay and maintain its effectiveness, and if possible use spring water rather than tap water.
Clean the hoof thoroughly and ensure it is dry before you apply the poultice. Prepare a dressing, such as a bandage, plastic bag or towel and a soft padding layer for cushioning. To hold the poultice in place, you can use a self-stick bandage, gaffer tape, or even a hoof boot.
Apply a thick layer of paste to the sole, frog, and hoof wall, and wrap the whole hoof in the dressing, apply the padding and securely fasten it in place. For best results, repeat two or three times a week.
