Frogs & Tar

Why Does a Horse’s Frog Develop Thrush?

Thrush in the frog is caused by the excessive growth of bacteria and fungi in the grooves, fueled by a damp or poorly ventilated environment. Mud, soiled bedding, or a poorly maintained frog retain moisture, promoting maceration. Constant moisture softens the horn tissue, making it more fragile and allowing microorganisms to penetrate deeper. Horses kept in stalls on wet straw or spending winter in waterlogged pastures are particularly at risk.

Thrush does not develop overnight; it progresses slowly, making the frog soft, crumbly, malodorous, and sometimes painful. Without intervention, it can reach deeper tissues, cause significant discomfort, and impair movement. Quick and appropriate treatment is therefore essential.

Arbalou Frog Gel: A Sanitizing and Repairing Treatment

To treat thrush effectively, a product must deeply purify while supporting healing. Arbalou Frog Gel is designed precisely for these needs. Its gel texture allows optimal penetration into the frog’s deep grooves, where bacteria and fungi thrive. The formula combines several natural active ingredients known for their purifying, drying, and repairing properties.

With regular use, Arbalou Frog Gel dries excess moisture, limits microbial proliferation, and helps strengthen the horn tissue. It can be applied to mildly softened frogs as well as severely affected ones, with an intensive initial treatment followed by maintenance. Its gentle yet effective formulation suits both sport horses working on wet surfaces and horses kept outdoors year-round. It is also effective on wet frogs.

Arbalou Tar: Protect the Frog and Prevent Recurrence

Vegetable tar has long been one of the most used treatments to protect the horse’s sole and frog. Arbalou Tar uses high-quality, non-aggressive tar, perfectly adapted for weakened hooves. Unlike a gel or active treatment that purifies, the role of tar is primarily protective and waterproofing. It acts as a natural barrier against moisture, preventing the maceration that promotes thrush.

Once the frog has been sanitized, applying Arbalou Tar helps maintain a drier environment for longer, especially for horses in stalls, on wet ground, or during rainy periods. It is an excellent preventive care product, used weekly or before long exposure to wet terrain. It helps preserve a healthy, dense, and resilient frog, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Arbalou Hoofcade: Cade Oil for Damaged Frogs

When the frog is severely damaged, softened, or emits a strong odor, a more powerful treatment may be required. Arbalou Hoofcade, based on cade oil, provides a highly effective solution due to its ability to deeply and sustainably purify the tissues. Cade oil is known for its antiseptic, purifying, and healing properties. It penetrates cracks and grooves, helping eliminate the bacteria responsible for tissue degradation.

Arbalou Sabiocade is particularly recommended for very wet frogs, early severe thrush, or horses in challenging environments. It quickly stabilizes the frog, dries excess moisture, and promotes healthier regrowth. Once the situation improves, alternating between Arbalou Sabiocade and Arbalou Frog Gel helps strengthen the frog long-term before transitioning to regular maintenance with Arbalou Tar.

How to Prevent Frog Thrush in Horses

Regular care is essential to prevent thrush. Daily cleaning, quality trimming, and clean bedding greatly reduce risks. It is also important to ensure grooves are not too deep, as this promotes maceration. During poor weather conditions, weekly preventive care with Arbalou Tar or occasional application of a sanitizing product helps maintain a healthy frog.

Arbalou Expertise for Healthy, Resilient Hooves

Arbalou Shop offers a complete range to treat, protect, and strengthen the horse’s frog. These complementary products help sanitize tissues, prevent microbial growth, protect against moisture, and promote a denser, more resilient frog.

By incorporating these natural solutions into your horse’s regular care, you help preserve its movement, comfort, and daily well-being. Give your horse the best natural protection against moisture and frog-related conditions.