Biotin for Horses: Supplement for Hair, Manes, and Hooves

Reviewed on November 3, 2026.

Biotin (vitamin B7) is the most commonly used supplement for the horse's hoof, and many riders also give it with the mane and coat in mind. Here we summarize what published studies say, what they don't say, and how to care for the mane day to day.

In summary

• The horse studies we have checked measure the hoof, not the mane.
• In those studies, the improvement takes many months to become visible: between 8 and 15 months in the longest study.
• If you stop giving it, the hoof can deteriorate again.
• For beautiful manes, handling counts above all: washing, detangling, and careful brushing.

What is biotin

It is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a role in the metabolism of fats and proteins. It is used in horses because the hoof, like hair, is made mostly of keratin.

What studies say about the hoof

• Buffa et al. (1992), Equine Veterinary Journal 24(6):472-474: gave biotin for 10 months to 24 riding horses. Hoof growth and hardness improved in a statistically significant way, and the dose of 15 mg per day worked better than the dose of 7.5 mg.
• Geyer and Schulze (1994), Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 136(4):137-149: followed 97 horses with brittle hooves for between one and six years, giving 5 mg of biotin per 100-150 kg of body weight per day, and 11 horses no supplement. Those taking biotin improved after 8-15 months; the others, for the most part, remained the same. In this study, the hoof did not grow faster. When reducing or stopping the biotin, 7 out of 10 horses deteriorated.

The two studies do not agree on everything (one sees more growth and the other does not), but they do agree that time and consistency are needed. The specific dose for your horse must be decided by your veterinarian, especially if they are already taking other supplements.

And the manes?

We have not found any study with horses that measures the effect of biotin on the mane or tail, so we do not give timeframes or promises. The mane grows from the follicle and what has already grown cannot be "repaired" from the inside: a supplement can only influence new hair. That is why, if the manes break or tangle, the first thing to check is how they are handled.

How to care for the horse's mane

• Detangle before brushing. A detangler, such as Vetrolin Shine or Naf's dtangler, helps the comb or brush slide and pull out less hair.
• Start at the ends and gradually work up toward the root, holding the lock with the other hand.
• Wash with horse shampoo when necessary (for example, before braiding for a competition) and rinse thoroughly so that no residue remains. You have options in shampoos and hair care.
• Protect the long mane in the stall or in the field with protectors or loose braids if it gets caught or is eaten by another horse.
• Braid well for competition: we explain it step by step in how to braid the horse's mane.

Biotin supplements in the store

If your veterinarian recommends biotin, you can find it in supplements for horse skin and coat, for example LPC's Biotine 2000 or Naf's Biotin Plus. Each product page indicates its composition and the manufacturer's dose.

For hooves, also see horse hoof care.