Do any products really make the hoof grow faster?

[Scarlett 001]

Skeeter's feet were a mess when I bought him and still aren't good. But two farriers have now noticed how slowly they seem to grow. I would like them to grow a bit faster so he can get some new, stronger hoof growth coming in.

Are the products like Farrier's Formula only supposed to make the hoof grow in stronger, or do they also make it grow faster? Anyone have any comments on their ability for *faster* growth?

[Showjumper]

Cornucresine - although beware, I've heard stories of it causing the feet to grow so fast that they come up in horn-like bumps on the hoof wall...

[katieB]

Cornucresine does work but as showjumper said just be careful with how much you use, it definitely doesnt need to be used every day, maybe a good application twice weekly.

[MelanieD]

I used NAF Biotin for a while and it seemed to work, fatty's feet had a huge growth ring from the time I started feeding it and was having to be shod quite often even though it was winter. Best thing for speeding up growth I've found though was barefoot, 1.5 cm in 5 weeks between shoes off and second trim :D

[Jessey]

I use to use Farriers Formula and it was very good, Bo's feet were strong and grew well, when we started shoeing him we found that his feet grew enough that every 6 weeks the old nail holes were trimmed off :eek: we stopped feeding it and they did slow down a bit, thank god, we were going to have to reduce the time between shoeings to 4-5 weeks as they just got so long.

J x

[sidesaddlelady1]

Just as the condition of your hair and nails reflect the state of your health a horses hooves reflect his condition. You may find that a good broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement or a specialist hoof supplement help out his over-all condition as well as his hooves. Ask your farrier to recommend one.

My farrier is not impressed with oils and ointments for the hooves as they stop the hoof absorbing water and so actually aggravate the dryness. I have heard other farriers and vets express the same opinion.

[mychance]

My farrier recommended Cornucresine to us but the water based one and not the oil for the reasons mentioned above.

[rusk]

Yes, that does work, but do you want that or just better hooves? I use Ed Martin's Hoof formula and it's the best thing I have ever tried and I have tried loads!! It's about £60.00 a tub but lasts for a couple of months and you can see the difference in the feet.

[raggydoll]

what do people think of keratex?? i've just bought some cos my ponys not shod at the back and can be quite ouchy.

[Showjumper]

Keratex is a hoof hardener. It toughens up the feet a LOT but doesn't speed up growth :)