Lori and Brian of Albertville, Minnesota — owners of Ranchers Preferred — invented the HoofWand out of pure frustration. February 2024 brought warm, wet, spring-like days that turned their paddocks into hoof-trapping mud pits. Their two horses Yanko (a Gypsy Vanner) and OB (a Fell pony) and their 14 pasture mates were dealing with one abscess after another — wet-dry cycles cracked the hoof wall, mud packed in, and bacteria did what bacteria do best. They needed a tool that could handle soggy, waterlogged hooves, and the HoofWand was born.
The HoofWand is a hoof-cleaning tool that removes mud, manure, bacteria, and gunk from the outside AND inside of a horse's hooves. Every edge, curve, and texture was designed with function in mind:
Yes — the periople is the thin, outer layer of the hoof wall, like your cuticle. It helps retain moisture and protect the hoof wall from drying and cracking. When a metal hoof pick is used to remove mud and debris from the hoof wall, it can inadvertently damage the periople, causing rough patches, dryness, and flaking. Using a metal pick on the periople can also cause pain, since this is a sensitive area. The HoofWand will safely remove crusty, bacteria-ridden mud from the periople, coronary band, and hoof wall without causing pain or damage.
Removing mud is essential for overall hoof health. Packed mud traps moisture, bacteria, and debris that can lead to thrush, white line disease, and other infections, while constant dampness can soften the sole and weaken the hoof wall. Regular cleaning protects the periople and coronary band and lets you spot cracks, stones, or early signs of abscesses before they become serious problems.
Daily. There is no limit to how often you can use the HoofWand, and daily use will help remove bacteria-filled mud from the hoof and coronary band, preventing dryness, cracking, and abscesses.
Yes — Ranchers Preferred Thrush Powder. It is a powerful, all-natural solution designed to treat and prevent hoof infections without harsh chemicals or irritation. The moisture-adhering powder reaches deep into hoof cracks and crevices, where it targets the bacteria and fungi that cause thrush, white line disease, seedy toe, and sulcus thrush. It is talc-free, non-toxic, non-staining, 100% active ingredients, and safe for daily use. $19.99 for a full 8oz applicator bottle.
The HoofWand is $19.99. The company's mission statement is Hands on Hooves — to empower horse owners to be more engaged, confident, and hands-on with their horse's hoof health. Farrier organizations across the country have rallied behind the HoofWand and the Hands on Hooves mission.
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