Start Where The Hoof Begins

A new, globally patented coronary-band approach to hoof care is launching in the U.S. through Keragenix Biotech AG and Wedgewood.

Hoof problems are among the most common frustrations in horse ownership. Cracks, brittleness, weak growth and recurring setbacks do more than spoil the look of a foot. They disrupt training, complicate farrier cycles, raise veterinary costs and chip away at a horse's comfort and consistency. A 2017 Dutch cross-sectional study published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine found that 85 percent of horses examined during routine trimming had at least one hoof disorder. For an issue this widespread, true innovation has been rare.

That is why Keragenix Biotech AG, a Swiss company focused on science-backed veterinary innovation, is excited to introduce Hoof Matrix to the U.S. market. Globally patented, Hoof Matrix takes a di1erent approach: the cream is applied topically to the coronary band, the point where new hoof horn is formed. Healthy growth starts there 3rst, then travels down the hoof capsule over time. Feed-through supplements can support the horse systemically, and surface oils and dressings can help condition the outer hoof. Hoof Matrix is designed to complement those tools by targeting the source of new growth itself.

The concept is matched by encouraging data. In a sponsorfunded Australian proof-of-concept study conducted by Invetus, Australia's largest veterinary CRO, horses treated with Hoof Matrix were compared with untreated controls using objective moisture measurements and blinded veterinary and farrier assessments. By day 35, hoof wall moisture in the treated group was 11.8 percent higher than controls. In blinded farrier scoring, hoof wall crack severity was 72.7 percent lower than controls. In blinded veterinary scoring, crack severity was 38.5 percent lower, while hoof wall texture was 60 percent better. The study also followed an 84-day chronic case with serial photography that showed progressive visible improvement and no adverse events reported during the study period.

For horse owners, that matters. The hoof is the foundation of every stride, every stop, every turn and every performance goal. Hoof Matrix was developed not only for horses facing chronic hoof challenges, but also to support continual healthy growth and strength as part of routine hoof management. Once improvement is established, it can move to twice-weekly maintenance applications as directed by the prescribing veterinarian. Veterinary prescription is required.

Keragenix is especially excited to launch Hoof Matrix in the United States with Wedgewood, the largest U.S. veterinary compounding pharmacy. The partnership pairs patented Swiss innovation with large-scale U.S. compounding expertise, giving veterinarians a highquality prescription pathway and horse owners access to the product under proper veterinary oversight. In a category that has seen too little genuine change, Hoof Matrix o1ers something refreshingly practical: a new way to support the healthier hoof growing for tomorrow.

Available to purchase at www.wedgewood.com

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Sources: Holzhauer M, Bremer R, Santman-Berends I, Smink O, Janssens I, Back W. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence of and risk factors for hoof disorders in horses in the Netherlands. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2017;140:53-59. PMID: 28460750. Sponsor-funded product study data: Invetus Pty Ltd, Study No. KGB E 25032 A, Australia, 2025.

This article is from the May 2026 issue of Equine Business Magazine