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So because my "trainer/riding instructor" seems to practically be avoiding me, I turn to you for help, HEE horse owners! XD
Ro's feet were in pretty poor shape when I took him about a month ago - as in he hadn't been trimmed in quite some time and god only knows what he stepped on/in/etc. He was trimmed and had 4 shoes put on to help prevent potential coronet cracks (?). Went to the barn today and he threw a shoe, so farrier is going to come out again this week to fix. I'll be asking him his opinion, however, I thought I'd take some pics of his feets to see if anyone has any advice on their condition and what (if anything) I can do to help them improve? They look pretty yuck to me but I could be wrong.
Front left, side A - https://i.imgur.com/1UmuM59.jpg Front left, side B - https://i.imgur.com/oeBUK96.jpg Front right, side A - https://i.imgur.com/6mXvide.jpg Front right, side B - https://i.imgur.com/AQsESGh.jpg Rear left - https://i.imgur.com/1UmuM59.jpg
He is currently in a pasture where conditions vary from grassy to dirt to muddy/mucky depending on when she irrigates. We ride in a dirt(ish) arena. Not sure if either of those things makes a difference or not but thought I'd include it. |
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Maybe try this? https://ka-hi.com/blog/equine-care/treating-hoof-cracks/
Sorry I couldn't do more :/ |
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I've been reading up about it but most of it is just consulting with your farrier. When I owned horses growing up, I swear there was some sort of cream or lotion or something we used to brush on to help condition, but I honestly can't recall what it was or if it even helped haha.
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Maybe something from smartpak? I know that they have a lot of stuff that might help :) |
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Farrier's formula is a great hoof supplement. Chief is on it since he has some terrible feet. Also do you mean Mane and Tail Hoof maker? If not I also recommend it, it was good for Chief's hooves too. Also your hands lol. Edited at June 12, 2018 03:42 AM by BlueMist Farms |
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We call them sand cracks here because when the foot gets a minor chip sand packs in and splits the hoof wall like a chisel. You can buy a hoof stick by Donnybrook Equine or even moisturizing his feet should help to grow out the cracks, you can use special hoof oil or even animal lard. |
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Biotin biotin biotin. Did wonders on my Harley's feet and as a bonus it's great for his mane and tail too! I would also brush on some hoof oil on Harley's feet too, but the only thing 4 different farriers suggested was biotin. |
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Weve got a few horses with cracky feet, they are on farriers formula and I think its the biggest waste of money. It has shown zero improvement...and its expensive. Our farrier suggested a product called source the owner hasnt switched products but I wouldnt waste my money on farriers formula based off of my experience.
A lot of times when the weather changes their feet are more prone to cracks, going from wet to dry, sucks the moisture right out.
Im sure with regular hoof care his feet will come together, hes a TB no? Our cracky feet horses are 1/4 TB, they are know for their feet :-P Im with the biotin. Also the people that make microtek make a cream megatek thats good for hooves, manes, tails...and smells delish lol although that just a bonus |
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Ahhh it was the Mane 'N Tail Hoof Maker! Thank you! <3
I will look into hoof oil and biotin. I have a feeling it has to do with his feet not being addressed in a long ass time (and it has barely been a month since I've had him) and likely diet. Where he's at now I highly doubt the woman would give him any additional supplements. I plan on moving him within the next month and he'll have his own paddock + supplement feeding will be included in board.
So just time and patience. :) Thanks for the input, guys! |
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Abs,
It looks like your farrier has a good grasp of the situation.
Honestly, his feet look like theyre brittle. A good portion of this could be a crappy diet.
If horses are not meeting their nutritional needs, it can show in the form of brittle hooves and hair. I would highly suggest getting him on a good vitamin supplement.
As far as the structuring goes, his feet look like they will shape up nicely. I see some small flaring at the bottom, but if he went untrimmed for a good minute, i would suspect it to be mechanical flaring which will go away as his feet are maintained.
Most of the surface cracks are nothing to worry about. But third picture down, there is a pretty deep wall crack that starts at the ground up. Keep a serious eye on this and keep it clean. I have seen many a seedy toe infection stem from these cracks. Should it start growing upwards are reach the coronet band, you could be in for a long hoof rehab. If it starts growing upwards, make sure to call your farrier ASAP so he can try and stop it.
I would wash it out real well. Let him stand someplace clean, and once dry apply a hoof sealant over that crack. Moisture will be its worst enemy. |
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Evening Thunderstorms, Hail Possible
