Cracked hooves

[NicP]

I've noticed Cody's back hooves have become cracked and a little chipped. I plan to see if the farrier can come out next week as he was last shod on 16th May but wondered if there was anything I can do to strengthen them?

I know water is the best but he is out all day and I would have thought all the rain we have had recently, would have helped on that score - the water in the field is also allowed to overflow to give little puddles.

I just wondered if there was a feed supplement or anything else which would help?

Thanks :)

[Rhein]

Hi NicP. We've been having similar issues with our horse (I've posted some pictures on here and the barefoot thread recently). I was recommended to use Keratex (I also put a thread on here "tell me about Keratex", which had very helpful replies).

I've also been recently recommended to add a feed supplement such as farriers formula or similar, because her hoof growth seems to be very slow. I haven't started anything as yet.

Is he on any feed supplements at the moment?

[NicP]

No he isn't, I will see if I can get some farrier's formula. Do you know if anyone locally in Cambs does it or do you normally get it online?

[Rhein]

This is going to be really helpful :rolleyes:, but I was recommended to use something else first before trying FF (but I can't for the life of me remember what it was!). The reason given was that although FF is the bees knees, lots of horses don't really like it AND it is very expensive. So it was suggested I tried the "something else" first. If I can find out what it is I'll let you know :o.

Also, when her hooves were cracking I was recommended to just use Keratex. I have only been recommended a feed supplement because recently they aren't growing much.

If he isn't on any supplement at all, I would be tempted to start with a general all round vitamin and mineral supplement rather than one specifically for hooves and use Keratex for a short while.

How bad is the cracking? Is it like on my mares feet (sorry can't link you to the threads - they're not far down from this one though "Critical Appraisal please" :rolleyes:)?

[bigbird31]

Farriers formula is meant to be very good but at the price is it it should be. Someone once suggested to me using limestone flour and add to their feed. I used it with a horse previously and it helped as he had very cracked hooves, just acquired another horse and his feet are awful so will try it on him although not sure if its that he doesn't like or the garlic, have yet to work out but it's cheap so if they don't you have wasted lots of money. Worth a try.

[NicP]

His front two are OK but his back ones are cracked - the off hind has a little chip out of it. I'll have to try and get some pics.

Which keratex product would you suggest - the feed supplement one plus a general vitamin/mineral one?

[Rhein]

Sorry, I haven't made myself very clear have I :o. That's what comes of rapidly replying to a post whilst I'm also working :rolleyes:

I meant the Keratex hoof hardener lotion that you apply directly to the hooves.

And yes I would have thought any good quality vitamin and mineral supplement would be good to start with. I'm also giving my girl some garlic and apple cider vinegar daily.

ETA This stuff: www.keratex.com/products/hoofhardener.html
And the comments on this thread www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113921&highlight=keratex are worth reading.

[NicP]

Thanks! Will give that a go!

[NicP]

Just ordered the hoof hardener, some limestone flour and a vitamin/mineral supplement so hopefully that will do the trick.