Contrary to popular belief the hoof below the live coronary, from which it grows, doesn’t breathe. The hoof is nourished from within. Recent University of Penn studies showed that the cells of the outer hoof are denser to seal the moisture level in the hoof (optimum level: wall = 25%, sole = 50%). The coronary itself creates a varnish coating as the hoof wall grows out that maintains moisture. Hoof Armor just does the same on the bottom. Year round use of Hoof Armor will maintain the same moisture level and the hooves will look great all the time. Hoof Armor can be applied to the frog and heel bulbs for additional protection on rough surfaces.