Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses: Hooves, Digestion & Natural Health Support

| Modified on May 08, 2026
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At a Glance: Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses

  • Traditionally used for hoof, skin, and digestive support
  • Popular for thrush, poor frog quality, and mineral balance
  • Best results usually come from raw, organic ACV with “the mother”

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for generations as a traditional remedy for horses. Earth Clinic readers commonly use ACV for hoof care, digestion, urinary balance, skin conditions, mineral support, and odor control. Many horse owners also report that ACV helps support coat shine, healthy frogs, and overall resilience.

While ACV is not a cure-all, it remains one of the most widely used natural horse remedies because it is inexpensive, versatile, and generally well tolerated when used appropriately. It is frequently discussed as a supportive tool for horses dealing with **equine metabolic syndrome** or as part of a long-term **laminitis support** plan to maintain healthy internal pH.

Quick Nav:

▸ What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
▸ Benefits of ACV for Horses
▸ Digestive & Gut Support
▸ Urinary Tract Stones & Mineral Balance
▸ Thrush, Hoof Rot & Poor Frog Growth
▸ Skin, Coat & Itching Support
▸ Natural Fly & Odor Support
▸ Electrolytes & Hydration
▸ How to Use ACV for Horses
▸ Best Type of Apple Cider Vinegar
▸ Safety Considerations

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples into acetic acid and other naturally occurring compounds. Raw, unfiltered ACV also contains beneficial enzymes, trace minerals, amino acids, and the cloudy substance known as “the mother”.

The primary active compound in ACV is acetic acid, which contributes to its traditional use for balancing pH, supporting digestion, and discouraging unwanted microbial overgrowth.

Benefits of ACV for Horses

Horse owners commonly use ACV to support:

  • Hoof quality and frog health
  • Digestive balance
  • Mineral utilization and **mineral metabolism**
  • Urinary tract health
  • Healthy skin and coat
  • Mild antifungal and antibacterial support
  • Natural odor and fly management

Many readers also believe ACV may help improve overall vitality by supporting the horse’s internal “terrain,” particularly when combined with a clean diet and good hoof care practices.

Digestive & Gut Support

One of the most common reasons horse owners use ACV is to support digestion. ACV may help encourage a healthier digestive environment and improve feed utilization. It is often incorporated into **gastric ulcer management** routines to help maintain an appropriate gastric pH.

Readers frequently use ACV for horses with:

  • Gas and bloating tendencies
  • Poor appetite
  • Mild digestive sluggishness
  • Feed transition stress

Earth Clinic insight: Many owners prefer introducing ACV gradually by mixing small amounts into feed before increasing the dosage.

Urinary Tract Stones & Mineral Balance

Apple cider vinegar has traditionally been used to support horses prone to urinary tract stones and mineral buildup issues. Some owners believe the acetic acid in ACV helps support healthier mineral balance and urinary flow.

Urinary stones may be associated with:

  • High-mineral water
  • Calcium imbalance
  • Dehydration
  • Concentrated urine

Traditional approach: Add approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ACV per 5–6 gallons of drinking water, depending on horse size and tolerance.

Important: Persistent urinary symptoms require veterinary evaluation.

Thrush, Hoof Rot & Poor Frog Growth

ACV is especially popular for hoof care because of its natural acidic and antimicrobial properties. In cases involving **laminitis support**, maintaining a clean, infection-free hoof environment is critical.

Thrush & Hoof Rot

Horse owners often apply diluted ACV externally for:

  • Thrush
  • Hoof odor
  • Soft frogs
  • Muddy hoof conditions

ACV may help discourage bacterial and fungal overgrowth while supporting a healthier hoof environment.

Poor Frog Growth

Weak or underdeveloped frogs are often linked to chronic moisture imbalance, poor circulation, nutritional deficiencies, or ongoing low-grade infection.

Many readers combine:

  • External ACV rinses
  • Better hoof hygiene
  • Mineral balancing
  • Biotin and trace mineral support

Common use: Apply diluted ACV directly to cleaned hooves 1–2 times daily.

Skin, Coat & Itching Support

Some horse owners use diluted ACV topically for:

  • Itchy skin
  • Rain rot support
  • Minor fungal irritation
  • Dull coat
  • Dry skin

ACV rinses may help restore a healthier skin surface while reducing excess residue and odor.

Typical dilution: 1 part ACV to 3–4 parts water.

Patch test first: Some horses with sensitive skin may react to concentrated vinegar.

Natural Fly & Odor Support

Many owners report that horses fed small amounts of ACV develop less body odor and attract fewer flies, although results vary.

Some owners also use diluted ACV sprays around:

  • Stable areas
  • Hooves
  • Coat and mane

This use remains largely anecdotal but continues to be widely discussed in natural horse care communities.

Electrolytes & Hydration

ACV naturally contains potassium and trace minerals, making it a popular addition during hot weather and exercise periods.

However, ACV should not replace a proper veterinary electrolyte formula for horses involved in heavy work or endurance activity.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses

Internal Use

  • Start low: 1–2 tablespoons daily mixed into feed
  • Common maintenance range: 1/4 to 1 cup daily depending on horse size and tolerance
  • Introduce gradually to avoid feed refusal

External Use

  • Hoof soaks
  • Hoof sprays
  • Skin rinses
  • Coat sprays

Always dilute before widespread skin application.

Best Type of Apple Cider Vinegar

Most Earth Clinic readers prefer:

  • Raw
  • Organic
  • Unfiltered
  • With “the mother”

The cloudy sediment contains naturally occurring enzymes and compounds many owners believe provide additional benefits.

Avoid flavored vinegars or products with added sweeteners.

Safety Considerations

Important Safety Notes

  • Always dilute ACV before external use
  • Introduce internal use gradually
  • Do not force a horse to drink heavily acidified water
  • Consult a veterinarian for persistent urinary, hoof, or digestive issues
  • Use caution with horses prone to stomach ulcers or **feed sensitivity**

Takeaway

Apple cider vinegar remains one of the most widely used traditional remedies in natural horse care. From hoof support and frog health to digestion, mineral balance, and skin care, ACV offers a versatile and inexpensive option that many horse owners continue to rely on.

Earth Clinic approach: Use ACV as part of a broader foundation that includes proper nutrition, hydration, hoof maintenance, clean living conditions, and mineral balance.

Share Your Experience: Have you used apple cider vinegar for your horse’s hooves, digestion, skin, or overall health? Let us know what worked for you.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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ACV Dosage for Miniature Horses

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Posted by Prayerwheel (Sunland, CA) on 07/14/2009

ACV for Miniature horses

Hello, I was reading all the Q&A about ACV & horses but couldn't figure out how to post my own question. I'm wondering how much ACV to give my minis. My equine dentist recommended it for the bad fly problem I'm having. Their coats are also dry, brittle and growing in very sparsely for the first time ever. Not sure what's going on but trying to figure it out.

My minis range between 140lbs-170 lbs. I've started mixing it, about 1/4 C per horse, with their pellets in the evening and covering the whole bowl with water, about 3 Gal for 5 bowls.

Can you help me?
Thank you in advance,
Ann & the minis

Replied by Horselover
(Manitowac, Wisconsin)
06/14/2011

ACV can dry out the coat. try using AVON skin so soft or a horse leave-in conditioner.

Replied by Mec
(Splendora, Texas)
07/04/2015
★★★★★

Two Minis, and I use 10 to 12cc of ACV per cup of feed, has worked wonders on coat, flies, worms, weight and they eat it up. Also put same amount of Aloe Juice at night feedings. I use Nutrena Special Care with huge improvements. Hope that helps!

Arthritis

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Posted by Lesley (Sunnyside, Tasmania ) on 08/30/2015
 ★★★★★

I've used ACV very successfully for arthritis with horses. Start with a small slop in a cup of water, add to feed. Gradually build up to about 1/2 cup a feed. The natural stuff, unpasteurised, is the one that works.

Arthritis
Posted by Elaine (UK) on 02/04/2006
 ★★★★★

i brought my daughters welsh section a pony about 5 months ago and when she came she was really stiff in the hind,someone suggested that i use acv and the results are amazing,within just a week there was a big difference when she was walking and trotting around her field like a youngster.

Arthritis
Posted by Jody (NSW Australia)
★★★★★

I am using it to help with Arthritis in my older horses

Arthritis
Posted by Patricia (Cardiff)
★★★★★

Am using to treat my horse's arthritis at the moment but very early on at present but showing improvements already after only 2 weeks. What I will say however is that my horse absolutely loves it, he cannot get enough of the stuff, even spends twenty minutes licking his bowl clean. Excellent.

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Posted by Karen (Tacoma, Wa) on 09/30/2014
 ★★★★★

I have fed ACV to my horses for years. I get it by the gallon at a health food store. We bought a Baskir Curly horse who had VERY dry skin, Huge dandruff. I started him on ACV and now, he is shiny as he can be and no more of that dandruff. I feed 1/3 -1/2 cup a day in his feed. I was told by a old horseman years ago that ACV is great for loosening joints. Since horses can't talk, I can't say this for sure except I have a 32 year old horse that just keeps on going.

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Posted by Lee (Salt Lake City, Ut) on 03/23/2012
 ★★★★★

Here are some good remedies to cribbing---read and try them out---look for the ***'s

Apple cider vinegar and my herd.....

I have had my herd of horses on apple cider vinegar for over a year now and I have to say hands down that it is one of the best 'natural' products out there for a number of reasons.

Horses who have apple cider vinegar in their water drink way more of it. This is a fact with my herd. I go into the barn each morning and find that my stalled horses go through '2' full water buckets each and every night.

An added benefit to adding it to their water is if the horse is travelling, he will never shy away from 'new' water as the ACV hides any taste of a new environment. I know a few show people who swear by adding it to water when they go to shows and they have had no issues with them refusing water.

ACV works wonders on cracked hooves as well as improving the quality of new growth in the foot. It can be sprayed directly on the hoof as well as the frog and it has the added benefit of acting as a hostile environment for thrush and fungus to live in as well.

***The vinegar is high in potassium and horses which are low in potassium will seek out wood to chew on which is also high in potassium for horses.

I met an old cowboy the other day that has used ACV mixed with crushed garlic daily in horse feed to prevent ulcers in race horses. I am not sure if it's a cure-all or not but I have found that adding the ACV to the water in the stall of Bliss has made him really pack on the pounds.

ACV can be used as a natural fly spray and I have read wonders about using it as such. I will be using it on my horses this summer and I will advise what I find out although I have read glowing recommendations about it on-line. (ACV mixed equal parts with Avon skin so soft and citronella. )

My research on-line also showed that ACV can help with arthritis in horses and although I cannot say that it was either the herbs or the ACV dosage for Bliss in his water, he's way more spry as of late and I'm convinced that if it can work on arthritis in humans, it should work equally well in our equine friends.

I know from experience that ACV mixed with black pepper works wonders on proud-flesh. I used the combination with ichthamol on Maverick when he came as a rescue and the results were amazing. My vet was even impressed.

The race track here keeps ACV on hand always for horses that colic. They shoot it into the mouths of horses in a syringe and it helps with the pain. They also soak standing bandages in it before wrapping to bring down swelling in the legs of worked horses.

Finally, ACV added to pasture water helps reduce algae and keeps flies and mosquitoes from hanging out by it.

Hands down, ACV is one of the best natural products that can be used on horses. I have used it for a long time and the lists of things that it can do is extensive and really quite impressive.

It has worked wonders with my herd and I thought it a great idea to put the 'research' out there that I have done on using ACV on horses and the results of doing so.

03/19/2010: Stu from Cambridge, New Zealand: "Hi, Im a racehorse trainer and have fed my horses apple cider/garlic and honey for over 30 years about 20 mils in their feed every night. I have trained major stakes winners in both nz and australia, and at this time im the leading trainer in Oman [middle east] my horses are the healthiest here and I get so many comments on how they look.

I would not do without this secret and we do not give injectables. Stu"

01/13/2011: Skipper523 from Las Vegas, Nv, Usa replies: "I place apple cidar vinegar in our horses water. We have 3 horses, and one of them had a bad skin condition all over her neck when we first got her. It was either hives or some type of allergic reaction. In a fresh full bucket of water (our water buckets are 18 gallons in size), I use about 2 cups of ACV. I pour a little more in when filling it up again.. A dash here and a dash there. This past summer she had no irritations or hives!! I also find the horses drink more water when the ACV is in it! I would never not give it to the horses!! "

02/20/2009: Cheri from Gentry, AR, USA: "I have a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse whose joints would pop a lot when he moved. I started him up on 1/2 cup of ACV in his feed, twice a day, and within 3 days - no more popping! I also noticed that his attitude was brighter, he had more range of motion, his coat took on a darker richer tone, and his new hoof growth was smoother. I won't be changing his diet any time soon. Also used it as a spray for his coat with about a teaspoon of tea-tree oil. It really glossed up his coat."

11/21/2008: C Alesi from Lake Mathews, California USA: "I have been putting a cup of ACV in my horses water barrel since last spring. I noticed my gelding was drinking alot more water with ACV. A few weeks of ACV, my gelding peed out a calcium deposits the size of a walnut. It also helped with the biting flies. One of our mares would get terrible fly bites, but this year she was scab free."

Broad Benefits
Posted by Stu (Cambridge, New Zealand) on 03/19/2010
 ★★★★★

Hi, Im a racehorse trainer and have fed my horses apple cider/garlic and honey for over 30 years about 20 mils in their feed every night.I have trained major stakes winners in both nz and australia, and at this time im the leading trainer in Oman [middle east] my horses are the healthiest here and i get so many comments on how they look.

I would not do without this secret and we do not give injectables. Stu

Replied by Lsutigger
(Acworth, Ga, Usa)
03/26/2010

Hi Stu, I am working with a Halflinger that has Spring/Summer allergies. His skin is already beginning to break out and is raw all along his underside. He has been tested and is not highly allergic to any one thing. He gets allergy injections but it doesn't help and the gnats and flies make it so much worse. He has midline allergies to a lot of stuff. What is the exact measurements of your ingredients? Do you just chop the garlic up? Any topical treatment you recommend? This horse will find a stump and just rub till he is raw. Tks.

Replied by Brenda-lee
(Alliston, Ontario, Canada)
04/27/2011

How much of each (Cider Viniger, Garlic and Honey)? What kind of Garlic? Cloves? Powder?

Replied by Horseyjen
(Lancaster, Uk)
02/29/2012

HI, I have also used www.supplements4horses.co.uk Found them really good... Hope you find what you need. :)

Broad Benefits
Posted by C Alesi (Lake Mathews, California USA) on 11/21/2008
 ★★★★★

I have been putting a cup of ACV in my horses water barrel since last spring. I noticed my gelding was drinking alot more water with ACV. A few weeks of ACV, my gelding peed out a calcium deposits the size of a walnut. It also helped with the biting flies. One of our mares would get terrible fly bites, but this year she was scab free.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Abbey (Coffs Harbour, Australia) on 03/17/2008
 ★★★★★

I used ACV on my horses for many years, along with dolomite, seaweed meal, sulphur, occasional garlic, occasional dose of copper sulphate as an additional worming, a little molasses, sometimes a few drops of cod liver oil for extra vitamin A when needed, mixed in with a small amount of slightly moist lucerne chaff. The horses loved it, it got them through a drought when there was not much to eat and not a lot of goodness in what there was. They never lost condition, always bright, shiny coats, healthy feet and when tested for worms - no worms and I did not give them anything commercial for worming accept what I have listed previous. When I bought an old horse home, wormy, in poor condition and a coat that was coming away in handfuls, I gave her a diluted apple cider wash and within days her coat stopped falling out and within weeks was growing a beautiful new coat.

Replied by Julie
(Rockhampton, QLD.Australia)
05/28/2008

Hi Abbey , I have heard of people using these types of remedy before and got positive results. But can you please specify in what quantities each product is used to make up the mix. many thanks, Julie.

Replied by Abbey
(Coffs Harbour, Australia)
03/08/2011

I used Pat Coleby information from her book and the amounts for each horse were different according to their weight. Sorry for the very late reply, looking through this page and discovered my comment, oops.

Replied by Lynn Seward
(San Bernardino, Ca)
09/18/2015

I believe Apple Cider Vinegar would help my neighbors horse with the painful colic. Am I right? I add it to all my pets water occasionally. Goats, chickens, ducks and dogs and us. It gives fast relief with stomach problems. So why not in horses with digestion issues.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Jane (Macarthur, Victoria) on 01/08/2007
 ★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar with added garlic certainly helped my older horses coat and skin disorder (together with a little Yellow Sulphur) and also helped with joints. 'I have had a bottle of acv (with garlic added) in the tack room for a while but didn't think my horses needed it. I had an aged pony with a horrible skin problem and thought I would try it on her. Her skin was heaps better (and sooo shiny) after a few weeks. Just 30mls in her feed each evening was enough. I ran out a few weeks ago and forgot to get more each time I went to town. I rode her tonight and she was a bit funny in the joints and her skin didn't seem as shiny as it was. Now I know why, I haven't been feeding her the acv. Tomorrow I am going to find some. I believe it is great stuff. I will never run out again.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Robyn (Werribee, Victoria, Australia) on 01/26/2006
 ★★★★★

I have 2 Standardbred geldings and they have been getting 1/4 cup acv daily since I got them, which is 4 years. I combine it with 1 tbls garlic, 1 tbls dolomite, 1 tsp seaweed meal, 1 tsp yellow sulphur and 1/4 tsp copper sulphate, which by the way is what Pat Colby recommends. The combination keeps my boys healthy and I find that I don't need to worm them as often. They love the taste and lick their bowls clean every night. Their coats are shiny and they keep their weight on throughout the year. I have also found that if they get a scratch or nick it heals in no time flat and flies don't bother them as much as the other horses on the property. I recommend acv to everyone with horses!

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Posted by Melissa (Whittier, CA) on 12/18/2005
 ★★★★★

I have fed 2 ounces of acv 5 times per week to my horses for two years now. ACV in combination with a joint supplement keeps my horses feeling good all the time! They are both shiny, happy and healthy. They don't seem to itch. During the worst of the fly season, they didn't seem horribly bothered by flies as were there neighbors. I also combine 1/3 water, 1/3 Avon SSS and 1/3 ACV for fly spray which worked well. I am very pleased with the health of my horses and attribute much of that to the ACV. I buy a gallon at a time from Smart and Final for under $4. I have persuaded my barn buddies to feed as well... all are happy

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Posted by Nickkie (USA)
★★★★★

I feed my horse Apple Cider Vinegar every day and he loves the taste. I like it because he has a healthier coat, better appetite, less smelly urine, less fly bites, less need for worming, and better feed efficiency. I also put it in the water buckets to keep algae from growing and to keep the flies out.

The vet recently told me to up his ACV to 2 cups per day to help prevent kidney and intestinal stones. I have also started giving it to my dogs, and I am also mixing a little in with my tea. The stuff is great!

Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (Newville PA)
★★★★★

I discovered how wonderful apple cider vinegar was for my horse about 3 years ago. I had to give him supplements that he absolutely refused to eat. I read somewhere to mix some acv in with his feed, and it would mask the taste & smell of the supplements. He loves it! I just keep it in a spray bottle, and after top dressing his grain with supplements, I just spray about 6 good sprays of acv then shake it all together. He is never bothered by flies in the summer either. If I feel the need to apply fly spray, I mix equal parts of acv, water, and Avon skin so soft. I find that this makes an exceptional coat conditioner as well. I make sure to NEVER run out of acv around the barn- my horses would just not tolerate it. They literally lick their feed tubs when the grain is gone!


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