About

Keratex Hoofcare is a family-run business which began with the creation of our flagship product, Keratex Hoof Hardener, in 1991.

Dr John Irving MBE, PhD, C Eng, Fraes founded the business based on his idea for Hoof Hardener in Wiltshire, UK. He successfully patented the product, and Dr Irving was still at the helm of the business until his death from cancer. He died aged 81 on Wednesday 3 August 2011 and is sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. Dr Irving's wife, daughter and son-in-law lead the business on his behalf. The Keratex range has grown well over the years and still continues to expand with an ever-increasing global network of suppliers.

Keratex Hoofcare is based in the stunning Wiltshire countryside. It comprises two offices and a 4000sq ft Keratex product distribution centre nearby. Keratex employees are encouraged to keep their horses in paddocks nearby, helping to combine a love of business with a love of horses.

Keratex Hoofcare’s founders combine a keen interest in all things equine with a firm background in science. Dr Irving is a highly qualified academic and a qualified chemical engineer. His wife and co-founder Alison was a blood scientist within the NHS before joining forces with her husband to help expand Keratex.

The Keratex Hoofcare product range has grown and developed by working through common problems and issues relating to horses’ hooves and finding solutions using experience, science and technical knowledge. All of our products are scientifically proven to work and are vet, farrier and rider endorsed. We have worked closely with the UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on our products.

Since its inception in the 90s, Keratex Hoofcare has become a household name in the equine industry and now has a worldwide market as a market leader in equine hoofcare. Keratex Hoofcare is one of the leading global product ranges in the hoof care industry today with a reputation for hi-tech, revolutionary products and formulas.

We are proud that - in a world of cutting costs and outsourcing - all of our products are manufactured within the UK and as many of our suppliers as possible are based locally.

Our Quality Promise to You

  • Our products are fully approved and 100% safe to use for both you and your horse
  • Our products are scientifically proven to work on your horse when used in accordance with instructions
  • We will never make a product which is in any way detrimental to horses. This means that:
    • we will not produce a Hoof Oil, Barrier Cream or Dressing until we can find formulas that are genuinely breathable and beneficial to the hoof
    • we will only use ethically sourced, UK-based suppliers for everything we make, from ingredients and labels to packaging and printers.