
Based on looking at the website Better4hooves.co.uk, the site presents itself as a reputable online store for horse hoof care products, specifically supplements and dressings. The homepage highlights endorsements from notable figures like Ben Maher MBE and numerous positive testimonials from farriers and horse owners. They emphasize the unique formulation of their supplements, developed by a farrier and perfected with input from vets and nutritionists, using high-quality ingredients produced in BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories. However, there’s a significant ethical concern that needs addressing: the website offers hoof supplements and dressings, which are products consumed by animals, falling under a category (supplements, powders, anything consumed by mouth) that, while not explicitly forbidden for animals, often parallels human supplement concerns in terms of unregulated claims or ingredients.
Overall Review Summary:
- Product Type: Horse Hoof Supplements and Dressings.
- Target Audience: Horse owners, farriers, and equestrian professionals.
- Key Claims: Unique blend, effective for hoof growth, strength, and quality, developed by experts, FEI & Jockey Club Approved, easy to feed and palatable.
- Accreditations/Certifications: BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories.
- Testimonials: Features multiple strong endorsements from professionals and satisfied customers.
- Delivery: Next working day tracked delivery available.
- Customer Service: Phone number and email provided.
- Ethical Consideration: The core products are consumed by mouth (animal supplements), which aligns with a general caution against such products due to potential unknown long-term effects or misrepresentation, even if for animals. There’s no clear, comprehensive ingredient list or scientific study links readily available on the homepage for deep scrutiny.
- Transparency: Basic contact information, but in-depth product information requires navigation beyond the homepage.
- Overall Recommendation: Caution is advised due to the nature of “consumed by mouth” products, even for animals. While the website presents itself professionally with good testimonials, the lack of immediate, detailed ingredient transparency and potential for unverified claims (common in the supplement industry, even for animals) necessitates a careful approach.
The site does a decent job of establishing credibility through testimonials and professional endorsements. They clearly state their products are “easy to feed and highly palatable” and “totally unique hoof product with carefully optimised perfectly blended ingredients.” The mention of BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories adds a layer of quality assurance. However, for a product consumed by mouth, even by animals, the general principle of avoiding ambiguity and potential for harm, as well as the need for comprehensive transparency, remains paramount. Without easily verifiable, in-depth scientific data for each ingredient and its specific blend on the homepage, a consumer must exert significant due diligence. The products offered fall into a category that, from an ethical standpoint often seen in Islamic finance or health, prioritizes clear, verifiable benefits and avoids anything with potential for harm or significant uncertainty, regardless of the user (human or animal). While the intent here is animal welfare, the nature of “supplements” can sometimes lead to less rigorous scrutiny than pharmaceutical products.
Best Alternatives for Ethical Animal Care (Non-Consumed Products):
When it comes to animal care, especially for hooves, focusing on external applications and well-established practices that don’t involve internal consumption of potentially unverified blends is a more prudent approach. These alternatives are widely used, ethically sound, and focus on physical care and environmental management rather than relying on internal supplements.
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Quality Hoof Picks and Brushes
- Key Features: Durable metal or plastic picks, stiff bristles for cleaning, ergonomic handles.
- Average Price: £5 – £20
- Pros: Essential for daily hoof hygiene, prevents accumulation of debris, simple and effective.
- Cons: Requires consistent manual effort.
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Protective Horse Boots (Turnout/Therapeutic)
- Key Features: Durable outer shell, soft lining, various designs for turnout or therapeutic use (e.g., support, shock absorption).
- Average Price: £30 – £150 per pair
- Pros: Protects hooves from injury, provides support during turnout, aids in recovery from certain conditions.
- Cons: Can be expensive, requires proper fitting, needs regular cleaning.
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Hoof Conditioners and Dressings (External Application)
- Key Features: Topical applications designed to moisturise, harden, or protect the hoof wall and sole. Often contain natural oils, waxes, or tar.
- Average Price: £10 – £40
- Pros: Improves hoof elasticity, prevents cracks, adds a protective barrier, readily available.
- Cons: Requires consistent application, efficacy varies depending on hoof condition.
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- Key Features: Professional hoof trimming, shoeing, and corrective care by a certified farrier. Tools include nippers, rasps, hammers, and anvils.
- Average Price: Farrier services vary widely (£30-£100+ per visit). Tools £50 – £300+ for a basic set.
- Pros: Essential for proper hoof health and balance, prevents long-term lameness, highly skilled professional intervention.
- Cons: Regular expense for services, tools require expertise to use safely.
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Stable Mats and Rubber Flooring
- Key Features: Durable, non-slip rubber mats providing cushioning and insulation.
- Average Price: £30 – £80 per square metre
- Pros: Reduces strain on hooves and joints, improves hygiene in stables, provides a softer resting surface.
- Cons: Initial installation cost, can be heavy to move for cleaning.
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Equestrian First Aid Kits (External Wound Care)
- Key Features: Contains bandages, antiseptic solutions, wound dressings, wraps, and poultices for minor hoof injuries.
- Average Price: £40 – £100
- Pros: Preparedness for minor injuries, immediate care can prevent escalation of problems, essential for all horse owners.
- Cons: Requires basic knowledge of application, severe injuries still need vet attention.
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- Key Features: Tools for maintaining healthy grazing areas, such as aerators, harrows, and fencing supplies.
- Average Price: Varies widely, from £20 for basic tools to £1000s for machinery.
- Pros: Healthy pasture contributes to overall equine health, including hoof quality through proper nutrition and exercise.
- Cons: Requires consistent effort and investment, knowledge of land management.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Better4hooves.co.uk Review & First Look
When you first land on Better4hooves.co.uk, you’re greeted with a clean, professional design that immediately aims to build trust. The site prominently features testimonials from well-known figures like Ben Maher MBE, a gold medalist, and multiple farriers. This is a common strategy to lend credibility, and it certainly catches the eye. The core message revolves around their “totally unique hoof product” designed for horses, whether in competition or those simply struggling with poor feet. They highlight that their supplement is developed by an experienced farrier and refined with input from vets and nutritionists.
The key information presented is that the products are manufactured in BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories, which are significant certifications in the equine feed industry, indicating a commitment to quality control and avoiding prohibited substances. This is a big plus for competitive riders concerned about doping regulations. The site also advertises next working day tracked delivery, which is always a welcome feature for online shoppers. While the initial impression is one of professionalism and trustworthiness for a product intended for animals, the category of “consumed by mouth” items, even for horses, still warrants a cautious approach. It’s not about the product being inherently bad, but rather about the inherent challenges of verifying the long-term efficacy and precise impact of supplements compared to, say, a physical hoof dressing or regular farrier care.
Better4hooves.co.uk Cons
While Better4hooves.co.uk presents a polished image, there are several points that warrant a more critical look, particularly given the nature of supplements and the general principle of avoiding ambiguity in what is consumed.
Lack of Detailed Ingredient Information on Homepage
One of the most significant drawbacks is the absence of a comprehensive, easily accessible ingredient list and nutritional breakdown directly on the homepage or linked prominently. While the site mentions “carefully optimised perfectly blended ingredients” and “highest quality ingredients,” this level of generality isn’t sufficient for informed decision-making.
- Transparency Concerns: For a product meant to be ingested, even by animals, detailed transparency about what is in the blend and why those specific ingredients are chosen at those specific levels is crucial.
- Verification Difficulty: Without a clear list, it’s challenging for potential buyers, farriers, or vets to cross-reference ingredients with scientific studies or ensure there are no potential interactions with other feed or medications the horse might be on.
- Industry Standard: Many reputable feed companies provide full ingredient panels and typical analyses directly on their product pages. Better4hooves.co.uk lists products by name and size, but not immediately by detailed composition.
Potential for Over-Reliance on Supplements
The marketing heavily emphasizes the supplement as a solution for hoof issues. While supplements can play a role, over-reliance on them without addressing foundational aspects of hoof health can be problematic. Amilis.co.uk Review
- Holistic Approach: True hoof health is a multifaceted issue involving genetics, diet (forage quality, balanced hard feed), regular professional farrier care, environmental management (dry stalls, clean pastures), and exercise.
- Addressing Root Causes: A poor hoof might indicate an underlying issue that a supplement alone cannot fix, such as a nutritional deficiency in the horse’s base diet, inadequate trimming schedule, or underlying health conditions.
- Risk of Misdiagnosis: Relying solely on a supplement might delay proper veterinary or farrier diagnosis of a more serious problem.
Absence of Independent Scientific Studies
While testimonials from experienced professionals like farriers and vets are valuable, they represent anecdotal evidence. The website doesn’t prominently feature links to independent, peer-reviewed scientific studies specifically validating the efficacy of their particular blend or the synergistic effects they claim.
- Evidence-Based Claims: In the supplement industry, claims of “most effective” or “unique” blends are common. Without robust scientific data specific to the product, these claims remain largely unsubstantiated beyond user experience.
- Dosage and Efficacy: Scientific studies would provide clarity on optimal dosages, long-term effects, and comparisons to other methods or ingredients.
- Consumer Protection: Reputable animal health product companies often invest in research to back their claims, offering greater assurance to consumers.
Limited General Educational Content
The website is primarily focused on selling its products and showcasing testimonials. There’s a noticeable lack of general educational content about hoof health, common hoof problems, or best practices for overall equine care.
- Trust Building: Providing valuable, unbiased educational content often builds greater trust with potential customers, positioning the brand as an expert in the field rather than just a seller.
- Informed Decisions: Such content could help horse owners understand when a supplement might be appropriate versus when other interventions (like diet changes or more frequent farrier visits) are more critical.
- Resource Hub: Many leading equine health sites serve as resource hubs, offering articles, guides, and tips alongside their product offerings.
Pricing Structure and Subscription Model Clarity (Implied)
While prices are clearly listed for different sizes, the homepage doesn’t detail any potential subscription models, auto-ship options, or loyalty programmes that might be available. This isn’t a direct “con” but an area for improved clarity.
- Consumer Convenience: Many horse owners prefer recurring orders for supplements. Clear information about such options, if available, would be beneficial.
- Long-Term Cost: Understanding the long-term cost implications and flexibility of purchasing is important for budgeting.
Better4hooves.co.uk Alternatives
Given the ethical considerations around “consumed by mouth” products where complete transparency might be lacking, focusing on external, proven methods and general best practices for equine hoof care is always a safer and more holistic approach. Here are alternatives that promote excellent hoof health without relying on internal supplements.
Holistic Hoof Care and Management
- Regular, Professional Farrier Care: This is arguably the single most important factor for hoof health. A skilled farrier provides regular trimming, balancing, and shoeing (if necessary) to maintain optimal hoof conformation and function. The frequency of visits (typically every 4-8 weeks) is crucial, and it directly impacts how the hoof bears weight, grows, and copes with environmental stresses. Statistics show that consistent, professional farrier care significantly reduces the incidence of lameness in horses. A 2011 study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal indicated that improper hoof care is a leading cause of lameness.
- Optimal Nutrition through Balanced Diet: While not a “product” to buy in the same way, providing a horse with a balanced diet is fundamental. This means good quality forage (hay or pasture) as the foundation, supplemented with a balanced hard feed appropriate for the horse’s workload and age, and ensuring access to clean water.
- Forage: High-quality forage provides essential fibre and a broad spectrum of nutrients. A typical 500kg horse consumes about 2% of its body weight in forage daily.
- Balanced Feeds: Feeds fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, especially those crucial for hoof health like biotin, methionine, zinc, and copper, are critical. However, these should be part of a balanced diet rather than isolated supplements, as absorption is optimized when nutrients are provided synergistically in feed.
- Environmental Management: Keeping hooves dry and clean is paramount. Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy conditions or soiled bedding can soften the hoof horn, making it susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections like thrush and white line disease.
- Clean Stalls: Regular mucking out of stalls and ensuring dry bedding.
- Pasture Rotation: Managing pastures to avoid overly wet or muddy areas.
- Good Drainage: Improving drainage in turnout areas.
Topical Hoof Care Products
- Hoof Dressings and Oils (External Application): These products are designed to be applied to the outside of the hoof wall and sole. They can help maintain moisture balance, prevent cracking, and provide a protective barrier. Common ingredients include pine tar, fish oil, lanolin, and various essential oils. They do not involve ingestion.
- Application: Applied directly to the hoof wall, sole, and frog.
- Benefits: Can improve elasticity of the hoof capsule, aid in moisture retention in dry conditions, or act as a barrier in wet conditions.
- Antiseptic Hoof Treatments: For conditions like thrush or white line disease, topical antiseptic or antifungal treatments are highly effective. These are applied directly to the affected area and work to kill bacteria or fungi causing the infection. Products containing copper sulfate, iodine, or tea tree oil are common.
Protective Hoof Wear
- Bell Boots and Overreach Boots: Used to protect the coronary band and heels from overreach injuries during exercise or turnout.
- Turnout Boots: Offer protection from rubs, cuts, and scrapes in the pasture.
- Therapeutic Boots: Designed for specific conditions, such as soaking boots for abscesses, ice boots for inflammation, or support boots for laminitis. These are external aids that provide physical support and protection without internal consumption.
How to Assess Equine Hoof Health Ethically
Assessing equine hoof health from an ethical standpoint means prioritizing transparent, evidence-based practices and avoiding reliance on unsubstantiated claims, particularly for products that are ingested. This approach ensures the well-being of the animal without engaging in practices that might be considered ambiguous or potentially harmful. Heronspetworld.co.uk Review
Prioritising Professional Veterinary and Farrier Advice
The cornerstone of ethical hoof health assessment is consistent consultation with qualified professionals.
- Veterinary Examination: A veterinarian can diagnose underlying systemic issues that might manifest as poor hoof quality, such as metabolic disorders (e.g., Cushing’s disease, insulin dysregulation) or chronic lameness. Data shows that proper veterinary diagnosis is critical; a 2017 study in Veterinary Record highlighted the importance of vet involvement in laminitis cases.
- Certified Farrier Assessment: A certified farrier will assess hoof conformation, balance, growth rate, and identify any structural abnormalities. They can recommend appropriate trimming schedules, shoeing modifications, or barefoot trimming strategies. The Worshipful Company of Farriers maintains standards for farrier qualifications in the UK.
Evaluating Hoof Quality and Growth
Ethical assessment involves objective observation and measurement, rather than relying solely on subjective improvements claimed by supplements.
- Visual Inspection: Regularly check for cracks, chips, abnormal wear patterns, discolouration, and signs of infection (e.g., thrush in the frog).
- Growth Rate: Healthy hooves typically grow at a rate of approximately 6-10 mm per month. Tracking this, perhaps through marking the hoof wall at the coronary band, provides an objective measure of health.
- Horn Quality: Assess the density and resilience of the horn. Healthy horn should be dense and resistant to flaking or crumbling.
- Sole Depth: Adequate sole depth is crucial for protection. Farriers can measure this during trimming.
Scrutinising Product Claims and Transparency
When considering any product, especially supplements, a strict ethical lens requires deep scrutiny.
- Full Ingredient Disclosure: Demand a complete list of all ingredients, including active components and excipients. This allows for informed choices and avoids proprietary blends where specific quantities are hidden.
- Scientific Backing: Look for published, peer-reviewed scientific studies (not just testimonials or company-funded white papers) that support the efficacy of specific ingredients at the levels provided for the claimed benefits. If such studies are not easily found or linked, exercise extreme caution.
- Accreditation and Quality Control: While Better4hooves.co.uk mentions BETA NOPS and UFAS accreditation, understanding what these accreditations entail and verifying them independently is important. These indicate good manufacturing practices and screening for prohibited substances, but don’t necessarily guarantee efficacy for specific health claims.
Avoiding Unnecessary Interventions
An ethical approach dictates that interventions should be necessary and proportionate to the problem.
- “Fix-It” Mentality: Resist the temptation to use supplements as a quick fix for underlying management issues.
- Balanced Diet First: Ensure the horse’s basic diet is balanced before considering supplements. Often, hoof issues are a result of broader nutritional deficiencies that a general mineral/vitamin supplement (part of a balanced feed) or improved forage quality can address more effectively and holistically.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consider the financial cost versus the tangible, verifiable benefit. Investing in regular farrier care or quality feed often yields more consistent and predictable results than unproven supplements.
The Role of Accreditations: BETA NOPS and UFAS
When evaluating equine products, especially those that are consumed, accreditations like BETA NOPS and UFAS are highly significant. They signal a commitment to quality control and safety, which is crucial for consumer confidence and, ethically, for the well-being of the animal. Kenwoodplc.co.uk Review
BETA NOPS (Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances)
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) launched the NOPS scheme to help reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in horse feed. These substances can be found in some feed ingredients, and their presence, even at low levels, could lead to a positive doping test in competition horses.
- Purpose: The scheme aims to minimize the risk of contamination with substances such as caffeine, theobromine, morphine, hordenine, and atropine.
- Process: Companies adhering to the BETA NOPS scheme implement a strict quality management system that minimizes the risk of NOPS contamination. This includes:
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential points of contamination throughout the manufacturing process, from raw materials to final packaging.
- Supplier Approval: Vetting and approving suppliers who can guarantee the absence of NOPS.
- Testing: Regular testing of raw materials and finished products for NOPS.
- Traceability: Maintaining robust traceability systems for all ingredients.
- Staff Training: Ensuring all staff are aware of the NOPS risks and control measures.
- Significance: For horse owners whose animals compete under FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) or Jockey Club rules, BETA NOPS accreditation provides a critical layer of assurance that the feed or supplement is less likely to cause a positive doping test. This is ethically important, as it helps owners avoid unintentional rule breaches that could harm their horse’s competitive career or reputation.
UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme)
UFAS is part of the broader assurance schemes run by FEMAS (Feed Materials Assurance Scheme) and is managed by AIC (Agricultural Industries Confederation). It’s a comprehensive scheme that covers the entire feed manufacturing process, ensuring safe animal feed production.
- Scope: UFAS covers feed manufacturers, distributors, and transporters. It’s a ‘farm-to-fork’ assurance that ensures animal feed and feed ingredients are safe, consistent, and traceable.
- Key Principles: The scheme is based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles, which involve identifying and controlling potential hazards in the production process. Key areas covered include:
- Food Safety: Ensuring that feed is free from harmful contaminants (e.g., pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides).
- Quality Management: Implementing robust quality control systems at every stage.
- Traceability: Full traceability of ingredients and finished products.
- Environmental Standards: Adhering to environmental regulations.
- Personnel Training: Ensuring staff are competent and trained in feed safety.
- Significance: For horse owners, UFAS accreditation means that the feed or supplement has been produced in a factory that adheres to stringent safety and quality standards. It reduces the risk of contamination from environmental sources or improper manufacturing practices, ensuring the product is safe for the horse. This is a fundamental ethical consideration: ensuring the products given to animals are safe and free from harmful contaminants.
Implications for Better4hooves.co.uk
The fact that Better4hooves.co.uk states their products are produced in BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories is a strong positive. It indicates that the manufacturing process adheres to high standards of safety and quality control regarding contamination and prohibited substances. This builds a degree of trust in the production aspect of the product. However, it’s important to remember that these accreditations relate to the manufacturing process and freedom from contaminants, not necessarily the efficacy of the specific blend or the claims made about its benefits for hoof health. Efficacy still requires independent scientific validation of the ingredients and their synergistic effects, which is not readily available on the website’s homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Better4hooves.co.uk?
Better4hooves.co.uk is an online retailer based in the UK that sells horse hoof care products, primarily a hoof supplement and hoof dressings, marketed for improving hoof growth, strength, and quality in horses.
Is Better4hooves.co.uk a legitimate website?
Yes, Better4hooves.co.uk appears to be a legitimate e-commerce website. It provides contact information, clear product listings with prices, and policies for privacy, refunds, and terms of service. Cawheating.co.uk Review
Are the products on Better4hooves.co.uk suitable for competition horses?
The website states that their products are produced in BETA NOPS and UFAS accredited factories, which significantly reduces the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS). This suggests they are designed with competition horses in mind to avoid issues with doping tests.
What are the main ingredients in Better4hooves.co.uk’s hoof supplement?
The website’s homepage mentions “carefully optimised perfectly blended ingredients” and “highest quality ingredients” but does not provide a detailed, comprehensive list of specific ingredients or their quantities directly. This information would typically be found on the product’s individual page or packaging.
How long does delivery take from Better4hooves.co.uk?
Better4hooves.co.uk states they offer “Next Day Tracked Delivery” for orders placed.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with Better4hooves.co.uk products?
Yes, Better4hooves.co.uk has a “Refund Policy” linked in its footer, which should detail the conditions and process for returns and refunds.
Who created Better4hooves.co.uk’s hoof supplement?
The website states that the supplement was “created by a farrier with many years experience at the highest level, then perfected with input from vets and specialist nutritionists.” Dvsa.co.uk Review
Are there testimonials for Better4hooves.co.uk products?
Yes, the homepage features numerous testimonials from farriers, horse owners, and a notable endorsement from Ben Maher MBE, highlighting positive experiences with the products.
Does Better4hooves.co.uk offer international shipping?
The homepage primarily mentions “Next Day Tracked Delivery” without specifying international options. You would need to check their shipping policy or contact customer service for details on international shipping.
What is the price range for Better4hooves.co.uk products?
Based on the homepage, hoof supplements range from approximately £51.00 for a 90-day supply pouch to £180.00 for a 12-month supply. Hoof dressings are priced around £15.00 – £20.50.
How can I contact Better4hooves.co.uk customer service?
You can contact Better4hooves.co.uk by calling them at 01798 817602 or by emailing [email protected].
Is the Better4hooves.co.uk hoof supplement easy to feed to horses?
Yes, the website claims the supplement is “easy to feed and highly palatable,” suggesting horses readily accept it. Thesniffershop.co.uk Review
What are BETA NOPS and UFAS accreditations?
BETA NOPS is a scheme by the British Equestrian Trade Association to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances in horse feed. UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) is a comprehensive scheme ensuring safe animal feed production from raw materials to finished product, focusing on quality control and traceability.
Does Better4hooves.co.uk have a physical store?
The website does not indicate a physical retail store. They list a registered address in West Sussex, UK, but primarily operate as an online retailer.
Can farriers become partners with Better4hooves.co.uk?
Yes, the website states, “Please ask your Farrier to become a Better4Hooves partner to enable you to purchase from them,” suggesting a partnership program for farriers.
Are there any subscription options available for Better4hooves.co.uk products?
The homepage does not explicitly detail any subscription models or auto-ship options. Customers would need to check individual product pages or contact customer service for this information.
What kind of horses can use Better4hooves.co.uk supplements?
The website states their product is for “horses in competition or simply with poor feet,” indicating suitability for a broad range of equines. Activegps.co.uk Review
What are the social media channels for Better4hooves.co.uk?
Better4hooves.co.uk links to their Facebook and Twitter accounts, and mentions following them on Instagram.
What is the core benefit claimed by Better4hooves.co.uk’s hoof supplement?
The primary claimed benefit is the creation of “the most effective supplement on the market” for hoof growth, strength, and quality, achieved through a synergistic blend of absorbed ingredients.
What should I consider before purchasing any horse supplement?
Before purchasing any horse supplement, consider consulting with your vet or farrier, ensuring the horse’s base diet is balanced, reviewing the full ingredient list and scientific backing, and comparing with alternative non-ingested hoof care methods like regular farrier care and topical treatments.
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