Hoof Products

KERATEX HOOF HARDENER

Strengthens and hardens hooves fast

Keratex Hoof Hardener is a gentle acting chemical formulation which forms additional intermolecular bonds between molecules of keratin by a process called 'cross linking'. Keratin is the main protein constituent of horn and is best described as the 'building block' of the horn structure.

The cross linking process results in additional atoms being distributed between the keratin molecules to produce a tougher and stronger horn structure.

Many other products claim to strengthen the hoof, but usually this entails a superficial layer of resin or varnish, but Keratex Hoof Hardener works by actually improving the structure of the horn itself.

Since Hoof Hardener is neither a varnish or resin layer, it leaves no visible coating. Therefore the treated hoof is able to 'breathe' and function naturally.

You may have read earlier how water and ammonia damage the structure of the keratin molecule, and how they interact with each other. This is, and always will be, a major problem for horse owners, which is exactly why the chemists at Keratex spent many years researching ways to rebuild the damaged molecular structure of hoof horn.

The result of this research was Keratex Hoof Hardener, which because of its unique nature was granted a Patent. (Keratex Hoof Hardener is the only truly effective hoof hardener to use the technology developed by the Keratex chemists.)

The horn which forms the visible part of the hoof capsule is dead. It has no blood supply and therefore cannot be regenerated or improved by feed supplements or ordinary inactive conditioners. Feed supplements such as Keratex Feed Supplement for Hooves will improve the quality of new horn being produced at the coronary band and will improve the rate of growth, but no supplements will influence the quality of existing horn. If it is cracked it must grow out. It cannot mend itself.

However, the patented active formulation of Keratex Hoof Hardener will improve the quality of existing horn within hours of the first application. Obviously cracks will not disappear, but the horn around them will be strengthened to resist further cracking and splitting. The horn will become stronger and more able to support the stress imposed on the nails, so that shoes stay put. The hardening and strengthening effect of Keratex Hoof Hardener it is ideal for protecting unshod hooves against wear and chipping, and is widely used on stud farms to protect the hooves of foals, broodmares and stallions.

User Notes

If the hoof has been treated with any proprietary oils or greases over the previous three months it is essential to degrease the hoof thoroughly with Acetone BP before applying Keratex Hoof Hardener.

Do not use any oils or greases, or any other hoof dressings or conditioners whilst using Keratex Hoof Hardener. Do not use Keratex Hoof Hardener for at least one week after using Keratex Hoof Gel, unless the hoof is thoroughly cleaned with pure turpentine. The residue left by Keratex Hoof Gel will prevent proper absorbtion of Keratex Hoof Hardener, and prevent it from working properly.

Do not apply after using Keratex Hoof Shield without first removing the Hoof Shield completely with Acetone B.P.

Retailed in a 250ml. plastic bottle with brush.

Specs for importers:
Box Qty.: 12
Dimensions: 26W x 18.5H x 22D cms.
Weight: 4.9kgs.

Keratex Hoof Hardener repairs damaged or weakened hooves, prevents cracking, strengthens horn and improves the security of shoes within hours of the first application.

To read an in-depth article on hoof cracks and the use of Keratex Hoof Hardener, please click here.

To purchase online in the US click here.

KERATEX HOOF SHIELD

The Horse's Nail Polish

Keratex Hoof Shield is the ultimate show quality cosmetic lacquer, giving hooves a superb high gloss finish which is hard wearing and durable. And with none of the mess and stickiness associated with oils and greases. Dries to a hard transparent surface in seconds.

Consolidates shelly or friable hooves by penetrating the horn and forming a hard protective layer. Can also be used to tighten slightly loose clenches.

Hoof Shield is supplied in secure metal cans with an integral brush in the lid.

User Notes

Degrease the hoof with Acetone BP. Sand paper the hoof wall to a smooth finish if it is rough. When first using Keratex Hoof Shield apply 2/3 coats to a properly prepared hoof. Thereafter a weekly application should suffice. Use Acetone BP to remove Keratex Hoof Shield from the hoof.

Retailed in 250ml. cone top tin with integral brush.

Specs for importers:
Box Qty.: 12
Dimensions: 31.5W x 11H x 24.5D cms.
Weight: 3.8kgs.

Keratex Hoof Shield is the clean modern way of ensuring hooves always look good.

To purchase online in the US click here.

KERATEX HOOF GEL

The ultimate ALL YEAR protection for hooves

Whilst Keratex Hoof Hardener repairs damage to the molecular structure of horn caused by water and ammonia, Keratex Hoof Gel quite simply stops the damage from happening in the first place.

Most problems resulting in hooves cracking and loosing shoes are caused by the effects of water and ammonia. Keratex Hoof Gel protects the whole hoof capsule by providing a barrier against adverse environmental influences acting on the integrity of hoof horn.

Normal hoof oils and greases offer little protection against environmental damage as once they come into contact with ammonia from urine they become water soluble emulsions which are quickly washed off, allowing both water and ammonia to permeate the horn.

To maintain a healthy hoof capsule Keratex Hoof Gel allows the horn to breathe. This means that gases can pass freely through Keratex Hoof Gel in either direction and excess moisture can be expelled from the hoof, but no water or chemicals can enter the hoof from outside. The function is much the same as the semi-permeable cloth used for outdoor clothing which allows moisture and air out, but prevents rain getting in.

Horn does not need extra moisture from external sources as the hoof capsule will take care of that naturally from inside. Constant changes in the moisture content of the hoof will result in cracking during the summer (for more detail read under the heading 'A Modern Guide to Hoofcare' on a previous page).

Used as a standard hoof treatment throughout the year Keratex Hoof Gel will maintain the moisture content of the hoof at the same natural level, whether rain or shine, summer or winter, turned out or stabled in. This is the answer to maintaining hooves in a healthy condition throughout the year. Hooves will naturally become stronger and harder and more able to resist the stresses of shoeing and work.

Because of the waterproofing effect from Keratex Hoof Gel, hooves are easier to clean and dry. Mud washes off without adhering, and bedding and dung are more easily removed from the sole/frog cavity.

Keratex Hoof Gel also contains a natural disinfectant to maintain hooves in a healthy condition. Most hoof infections such as seedy toe, white line disease, thrush, etc..., are the result of micro-organisms being carried into already weakened horn in suspension of environmental water. Stopping the absorbtion of this water effectively prevents most hoof conditions caused by bacterium or fungi. Hord dry horn and soles have a natural resistance to disease and infection. Dry hooves are healthy hooves.

User Notes

Degrease the hoof with Acetone BP to remove any previous hoof dressings. Use a standard hoof brush to coat the whole hoof with Keratex Hoof Gel, from above the coronary band, the hoof wall, the heels, sole and frog. This will effectively protect the entire hoof capsule from the effects of water and ammonia, allowing the hoof to become naturally strong and healthy.

At this point we would advise users that it has been brought to our notice that some horses have reacted violently when Keratex Hoof Gel is first applied to the coronary band or heels, probably as a result of some prior damage in these areas. If Keratex Hoof Gel is applied to sensitive soft tissue where there are cracks, splits or abrasions it may cause a stinging effect, which may in turn provoke an agitated reaction from the horse. The stinging effect is caused by a natural disinfectant in Keratex Hoof Gel and will have no lasting effect. It will only occur if sensitive tissue is exposed. It is most unlikely that there will be any sensitivity to Keratex Hoof Gel where the skin is unbroken or undamaged.

Treating the coronary band and heels with Keratex Hoof Gel can be very beneficial and will protect these areas from damage caused by water. However, it is important, particularly when first starting to use Keratex Hoof Gel, that considerable care is taken to avoid these areas if there is any reason to believe that exposed sensitive tissue may cause the horse any pain or discomfort or if you are in any way unsure about how the horse may react.

If you are showing or going to an event all you need to do is apply Keratex Hoof Gel, let it dry, and then buff with a cloth to have a super natural sheen on the hooves. Also being a dry finish Keratex Hoof Gel does not attract bedding, grass or dust in the same way as grease or oil based type hoof dressings. You will also be more popular with Vets, Farriers and Judges if they can inspect the hooves without getting grease and oil all over their hands. Some equine disiplines now ban oil and grease on hooves prior to vetting, for this reason.

Retailed in a 500ml. cone top tin with screw cap and inner seal and a 1 litre cone top tin with screw cap and inner seal.

Importer Specs for 500ml tins:
Box Qty.: 6
Dimensions: 22.5W x 16H x 16D cms.
Weight: 3.1kgs.

Importer specs for 1 liter tins:
Box Qty.: 6
Dimensions: 30W x 23.5H x 23D cms.
Weight: 6.1kgs.

Keratex Hoof Gel is the hoof dressing which actually improves and protects hooves all year round.

To purchase online in the US click here.

KERATEX COSMETIC HOOF FILLER

For better looking hooves

Keratex Cosmetic Hoof Filler is made from a special wax with an integral adhesive and is designed to improve the appearance of hooves suffering from missing horn and cracking, which would otherwise flaw an animal's overall presentation.

Available in two colours for light and dark hooves. Fills cracks and small areas of broken or missing horn invisibly. Prevents dirt and excreta from entering defects in the horn where it can cause infection or further weaken the structure.

Adheres firmly to the hoof providing a dry flexible repair which will not drop out or deteriorate.

User Notes

Fully degrease the area to be repaired with Acetone BP and remove all loose horn. For fine cracking rub the stick across the crack, like a crayon, until it is level with the surrounding hoof wall. Then burnish with a spoon handle to blend in.

For deeper holes break off a piece of Hoof Filler and either work it between the fingers or gently heat until it becomes soft and tacky. Press the softened Hoof Filler into the hole and mould it to the shape of the surrounding horn. Let it cool and harden for a few minutes and finish by burnishing.

Retailed in 4 x 15gms. sticks in a cardboard tube. (Available in light or dark colour)

Importer specs:
Box Qty.: 12
Dimensions: 21.5W x 18H x 13.5D cms.
Weight: 1.5kgs.

Keratex Cosmetic Hoof Filler quickly repairs unsightly defects, leaving the hoof with an unblemished appearance.

To purchase online in the US click here.

KERATEX HOOF PUTTY

A high tech replacement for Stockholm Tar

Keratex Hoof Putty is a unique type of malleable wax containing slow release organic disinfectants. Use to fill cavities left by conditions such as seedy toe and white line disease and after the removal of abscesses from the sole. This product is the modern replacement for Stockholm Tar and is more efficient and effective as it does not soften the surrounding horn.

Hoof Putty is self adhesive so that it adheres firmly, completely sealing and waterproofing separation cavities and abscess wounds from dirt, dung, urine, moisture and other sources of infection.

Prevents grit and stones entering the hoof between the horn and laminae. Being flexible, Hoof Putty will not drop out or deteriorate, but it is easily removed when required.

User Notes

Hoof Putty is easy to use and only needs to be worked between the fingers to warm and soften it prior to application. As it softens Hoof Putty becomes very tacky and malleable so it is easy to press into the cavity and get good adhesion.

When in situ Hoof Putty hardens to its former state, providing a good seal against water and dirt and immediately starts the slow release of disinfectants into the cavity.

Hoof Putty has the rigidity and strength to support drain tubes through which fluids can be vented from a cavity, or through which medication can be injected.

Keratex Hoof Putty can be used on either shod or unshod hooves, and because it is self-adhesive and flexible it requires no maintenance once in place.

Farriery Tip: To prevent alloy shoes from oxidising where they are in contact with horn, carefully heat Keratex Hoof Putty until it is completely liquid. Then, using a half inch brush, paint the hoof side of the shoe to form a layer about 1mm thick. When cool, nail on as normal.

Retailed in a 200gm tin with lid.

Importer specs:
Box Qty.: 12
Dimensions: 31.5W x 11H x 24.5D cms.
Weight: 3.2kgs.

Keratex Hoof Putty is the modern way to protect hoof cavities and abscess wounds.

To purchase online in the US click here.

KERATEX 3P HOOF REPAIR

The easy way to structurally rebuild hooves

Keratex 3P Hoof Repair has been specifically developed for Veterinary Surgeons, Farriers, and Horse Owners for repairing and rebuilding horses hooves following accidental damage and surgical/therapeutic procedures. It is a high adhesion flexible repair medium, designed to achieve maximum bond strength by also combining chemically with the Keratin of the hoof.

3P Hoof Repair is a three part formulation, consisting of separate resin, hardener and filler components. The resin and hardener are in a dual syringe dispenser, ensuring that the adhesive mix is delivered in the correct proportions whatever the quantity required.

Keratex 3P Hoof Repair is an easy to use and convenient means of mending defects in hoof horn, while providing a structural strength which will consolidate the hoof capsule. When mixed in the suggested 1:1 ratio Keratex 3P Hoof Repair has a hardness and flexibility corresponding to natural horn allowing it to be shaped, worked and nailed in the same way as natural horn. Flexibility and hardness can be adjusted to the precise needs of the job by adding slightly more or less filler powder.

This is a fast curing material with a setting time between 10 - 15 minutes depending on ambient temperature. Once hard it can be rasped and nailed.It is cost effective - You only mix the quantity required for the repair: the ratio of resin to hardener will always be correct due to the dual dispenser syringe. For normal use, an equal volume of filler powder is added to the mixed adhesive.

User notes

The area of the repair can be primed with a thin layer of mixed adhesive before filling - this ensures that the adhesive/filler mix is actually glued to the hoof. (Conventional two part hoof fillers are unable to achieve maximum adhesion strength at the horn/filler interface because the inclusion of filler medium considerably reduces the adhesive power of the mix and consequently its ability to stick firmly to the hoof).

Do not use in conjunction with iodine or iodine based antiseptic or hardening preparations. Doing so may impair curing.

Full instructions are supplied with the product.

Retailed in a 50ml. kit packed in cardboard tube.

Importer specs:
Box Qty.: 12
Dimensions: 30.5W x 23.5H x 23.5D cms.

Weight: 2.15kgs.

Keratex 3P Hoof Filler repairs damage hoof capsules with missing or removed horn.

To purchase online in the US click here.

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