Cracked hooves - any advice?

[Hippophilia]

Here in Canada we had an ungodly wet May and my 17 yr old TB mare developed small patches of mud fever on her three white feet and also some longitudinal cracks on each hoof. She goes barefoot and has done for years with no problems. As I think the cracks were caused by the wet conditions, would it be a good idea to use a conditioner like Absorbine Hooflex or would added moisture make the problem worse? (We are now having a very hot (30+) and dry summer.) I'm quite taken by the idea of a Biotin supplement or Keratex Hoof Hardener - does anyone have experience with these products or any advice to offer?

 

[cyberhorse]

I only have experience of a treatment (conditioner) that is sold in the UK under the name Mega-tek rebuilder. However on the bottle it says it is made in Canada so you should be able to get hold of some! The website is EQyss.com.

I have not needed to use it on hooves but used it on a youngster who had his tail half eaten by field mates. I also used it on my showjumper when a mare kicked him and left a rather obvious full hoof print on his shoulder, two weeks before a working hunter class! Generally fantastic stuff to get hair growing really quickly and make it strong and thicker. I now use it on my own hair and it is way better than the expensive Redken treatments.

 

[amandap]

I'd address diet myself quite aggressively. Low sugar, high forage and appropriate mineral balancing. If you can get your forage tested and add mineral supplements accordingly all the better.

My mare is doing very well on soaked hay (four months now). I am using this as a medical intervention and will reassess her forage when I have her hoof problems fully under control. Her feet have a history of severe cracks and this time I intend to do much better for her.

Mta. This seems to be my link of the day today. http://www.hoofrehab.com/diet.htm

 

[amandap]

Another link from the same source for you. http://www.hoofrehab.com/wallcracks.htm