Summer hoof care starts long before a horse enters the show ring, Kentucky farrier Chris Martelli tells the United States Eventing Association (USEA). Martelli shoes Olympic-level eventers and top athletes across the country, but his practical and prevention-focused approach is useful for anyone navigating the summer season.
For the USEA, he outlines some key strategies for keeping horses sound and competition-ready.
1. Manage Moisture
“Moisture is the biggest challenge I see in summer,” Martelli says.
Horses turned out overnight in dewy grass — and then rinsed after every ride — often end up with saturated feet for 20-plus hours a day.
Over time, that wet-dry cycle weakens hoof walls, speeds up sole exfoliation, and invites debris and bacteria into the foot. Martelli suggests keeping stalls dry with shavings (not straw), using fans for airflow, and picking feet as soon as horses come in — not just before tacking up.
2. Stay Consistent
While it’s tempting to switch between “hardening” and “conditioning” products, Martelli advises against over-managing. Instead, pick a quality topical product and stay consistent with it through the season. For soles, he recommends applying Durasole three times a week with an old toothbrush to help maintain strength without trapping moisture.
3. Fight Flies
“Flies are brutal,” Martelli says, especially in the cross ties or while horses are standing in stalls. “I’m working, and all I hear is clunk, clunk, clunk on concrete — it’s just constant stomping.”
That pressure loosens nails, shears shoe edges, and leads to premature pull-offs. His rule? Spray before you tack up, not after. Fans in stalls and regular fly spray applications (especially on barefoot horses) reduce the stress and strain caused by stomping and pawing.
4. Plan Ahead
Martelli works with top eventers to map out shoeing cycles based on their competition calendar.
“If I know they've got a five-week gap because of travel, I make sure there’s a fresh spare set duct-taped in the tack trunk,” he says. “It's a lifesaver.”
Even staying in one place, Martelli recommends keeping extra shoes and studs on hand that have been pre-fit and drilled.
5. Keep It Simple
Pick out hooves daily. Avoid unnecessary pads, which can trap moisture or create imbalance unless used thoughtfully. Use bell boots in the field — but remove them in the stall to prevent rubs. And most importantly, speak up if something seems off.
“At the end of the day, I only see the horse once a month,” he says. “So, if something looks off — say something. Don’t wait until your next appointment. A quick heads-up gives me time to adjust or prepare for what your horse might need.”
Even something as simple as keeping notes on footing, turnout changes, or sore spots can help tailor care more precisely.
He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Whether you’re working with a vet, physiotherapist, or barn manager, consistent communication is key — especially in the heat of summer.
6. Pay Attention to Environment
“When I walk into a barn, I’m looking at everything: the grass height, the watering spots, the arenas,” he says. “It all plays a role.”
Placing water near gates may be convenient but often creates mud pits in high-traffic zones. Moving water or hay to different areas encourages horses to spread out and avoid standing in chronically wet spots. Martelli also warns against riding in overly saturated arenas, which can create a suction effect on shoes.
Much of what he’s learned about summer hoof care has come from years of watching what happens outside the shoeing area. With a little extra awareness and a proactive approach, riders at every level can help their horses maintain healthy, resilient feet — no matter how hot the season gets.
