A hoof hidden in the snow is still a hoof that needs care, despite the common myth that horses' feet don't grow in the winter. The reality is that hoof growth is directly related to activity and nutrition. Don't let an "out of sight, out of mind" attitude affect your horse's health!
Horses' hooves need as much attention in winter as anytime of the year. Consistent shoeing every six weeks or trimming every eight weeks is the best schedule to keep. If your horse wears shoes in the winter, it is critically important that he or she be fitted with snow-pads and traction. Without snow-pads, snow packs into the hooves and creates a hard icy ball, creating slippage directly underneath the horse, and resulting in dangerous twisting of the lower leg and its joints. Snow-pads come in two varieties: full pads with a bubble in the middle, and also rim pads, which follow the inner edge of the shoe like a tube. Traction is needed to prevent shoes from slipping on the ice. Adding borium or drive studs will provide the grip your horse needs; without them, horseshoes in winter are similar to ice skates.
If your horse has big, solid feet he or she is probably alright to go barefoot, however, be on the look out for sole bruising from frozen ground. Bruises will appear as reddish-purple (on a white hoof) or dark gray (on a dark hoof) spots on the soles of your horse's feet.
Snow and ice can lead to iceball formation on the bottom of feet. According to Certified Journeyman Farrier, Andrew Elsbree, whether your horse is barefoot or shod, "a balanced trim, leaving as much foot as possible, is the key to a healthy hoof. A horse should NOT be lame or touchy after a trim or shoeing. Removing too much hoof matter will leave a horse sore and unhappy."
Don't neglect your horses feet just because its cold. Winter is actually one of the most important times to stay vigilant about hoofcare, because of the risk that ice and snow pose. The best policy is be consistent with hoofcare year-round, have open communication with your farrier about any changes, and knowing what signs to look for to determine the health of your horse's feet.
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