Cavallo – Proudly Canadian, family owned
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Mud, Thrush & Trouble: Welcome to Fall Hoof Season
Don’t Let Wet Weather Turn into a Thrush Problem
Welcome to Fall. Autumn’s offering of moisture, mud, manure, fluctuating temperatures and ever-changing footing can create ideal conditions for one particularly unwelcome visitor:
Thrush.
Don’t wait for Thrush to make the first move. Use the Cavallos you already own to launch your own Fall Hoof Reset!
What is Thrush and Why Does it Love Fall So Much?
While it often shows up as a dark discharge or strong odour, Thrush is not just a “dirty hoof” problem. Thrush is a bacterial and fungal infection affecting the frog of the hoof, associated with anaerobic organisms (microbes that flourish in low-oxygen environments). Understanding why and how Thrush develops is key to treating it effectively and preventing recurring infections.
Autumn’s repeated wet–dry–wet cycle can contribute to changes in hoof quality, making Fall something of a “perfect storm” for potential hoof trouble.
Your Cavallo ‘Fall Hoof Reset’ Routines:
For Prevention:
To help prevent a Thrush situation, or to support sensitive feet affected by Thrush, follow this simple routine to keep your horse moving comfortably:
Morning – before turnout: Boots off. Pick. Smell. Look. Feel. Inspect.
After turnout: Boots off. Pick again. Rinse your dirty boots and leave them open in a well-ventilated area to dry. Inspect the hoof and pastern. Put fresh boots on.
Overnight: Rinse your dirty boots and leave them to air out thoroughly in a well-ventilated area, ready for the morning.
Tomorrow: Remove your overnight boots, rinse and leave them to dry. Grab and put on your clean, dry pair of Cavallos to work their magic for the day!
…And Repeat!
Can you have a successful Fall Hoof Reset with just one pair of Cavallos? Of course! Just make sure to check your boots, rinse and air-dry them at least once a day.
Quick Tip: A quick soak with diluted apple cider vinegar (50%) and water (50%) can help reduce bacteria and keep your Cavallo Boots fresh between uses. Just rinse well and allow them to air-dry completely.
For Recovery:
Using Cavallos to Support Your Thrush Treatment:
- 1. Clean and treat the hoof first. Thoroughly clean the hoof and allow it to dry. Apply your thrush treatment, medicated pad or dressing recommended by your veterinarian or farrier.
- 2. Position the dressing securely. Place any medicated pad or dressing directly where it’s needed, ensuring it lies smoothly and will not create uncomfortable pressure once your horse or donkey is weight-bearing.
- 3. Add a moisture barrier when needed. If your horse encounters muddy ground, a thick plastic bag (as a liner) can be placed inside your Cavallo Boot, or your boot’s drainage holes can be temporarily taped closed with duct tape to help keep outside mud, manure and moisture away from the freshly treated hoof.
- 4. Carefully put on your Cavallo Boot. Slide the hoof into the boot without disturbing the treatment or dressing and fasten normally. Always check the fit after adding anything inside the boot; a very bulky dressing may require a slightly larger boot.
- 5. Keep moisture barriers TEMPORARY. Do not leave the hoof sealed in plastic or a non-draining boot for extended periods. Thrush-associated organisms flourish in damp, poorly oxygenated conditions – the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.
- 6. Remove, inspect, clean and DRY. Remove the boot and moisture barrier regularly, following your veterinarian or farrier’s treatment schedule. Replace wet or soiled dressings and allow the hoof and Cavallo Boot to dry thoroughly before reuse or alternate with a fresh, clean pair.
Remember: With thrush, the goal is to protect the treated hoof from outside mud, manure and moisture without trapping moisture inside. You’re not trying to seal a hoof away from mud and Fall weather. Check hooves more often, maintain airflow to the hoof, keep things cleaner, manage moisture intelligently and use the Cavallos you already own in this way you may never have considered.
Turn your Cavallos into soaking boots in under 5 minutes:
Do the Cavallo T.H.R.U.S.H. Check to be Sure:
If in doubt, these 6 signs could mean thrush is taking hold:
T – Tenderness to Touch:
Watch for sensitivity when picking or cleaning around the frog, or when you apply pressure.
H – Hoof Odour:
Notice a distinctly foul smell? It’s one of thrush’s most recognizable warning signs.
R – Ragged Tissue:
Frog tissue that looks deteriorated, crumbly, ragged or unhealthy.
U – Unusual Black Discharge:
Dark, “blackish” material or discharge is a classic thrush warning sign.
S – Sulcus Changes:
Pay particular attention to deep, narrow or worsening cracks.
H – Hurts to Move:
When thrush reaches sensitive tissue, discomfort may show up, from shortened or hesitant steps to more obvious lameness.
Old Boots, New Job: Report for Thrush Duty!
Think twice before throwing away your old, used Cavallos. If they’re still structurally sound and fit correctly, consider giving them a second career as your muddy turnout or Thrush therapy boots. Tired Velcro straps don’t mean the boots are finished – replacement straps for any Cavallo Boot style can be purchased separately, giving your old boots a whole new lease on life.
Use your best pair for riding and put your old veterans on mud duty, and alternate between the two pairs when needed, so one can be thoroughly cleaned and air-dried while the other is ready to go.
Mud happens, but Thrush doesn’t have to be invited to stay.
Wishing you many happy trails,
Carole Herder
President and Founder of Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc
Founder of Cavallo Hoof Boots, and a lifelong advocate for better, kinder hoof care.
For over two decades, I’ve worked to challenge traditional thinking and create solutions that support both performance and well-being—helping horses move freely and comfortably around the world.
This journey continues to be shaped by the horses themselves.
