Feeding for feet help.

[Falcosmum]

Hiya all,
My OTTB has typically really good feet for a TB and is currently barefoot whilst he is rehabing from an injury he did during his last race prior to us giving him a home. However since being out by day his back feet (both light) have started chipping/splitting. Front are both dark and fine. I'm just wondering what/if anything, I could be feeding to help strengthen his feet? I know it will take months to have an effect but any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel it is the long walk down a stony track to his paddock rather than the paddock itself that is causing the problem. He is on ad lib haylage aft/eve and 2x feeds of half scoop speedibeet, half scoop mollichaff calmer and 1 cup micronised linseed, plus turmeric. He is looking fab and beautifully shiny. Should I consider adding a balancer? Thank you in advance.

 

[ycbm]

First you need to be sure they aren't too long. Most chiping in early barefoot feet happens to remove hoof wall that's too high. Can you show us some sole shots?

Is he sound and walking ok down the path?
.

 

[Falcosmum]

Thank you ycbm for your reply. I will take some shots tomorrow, he had a trim 4 weeks ago but by a regular farrier not a barefoot specialist. In my view now you mention it I was thinking his back toes looked long in my mind. You make a very good point.

 

[Falcosmum]

First you need to be sure they aren't too long. Most chiping in early barefoot feet happens to remove hoof wall that's too high. Can you show us some sole shots?

Is he sound and walking ok down the path?
.

Thank you ycbm for your reply. I will take some shots tomorrow, he had a trim 4 weeks ago but by a regular farrier not a barefoot specialist. In my view now you mention it I was thinking his back toes looked long. You make a very good point. Yes he is sound and doesn't look foot sore.

 

[ycbm]

Well we forum barefooters would love some side and front shots too, but please make sure you have the camera on the floor to take them.
.

 

[Falcosmum]

Will we forum barefooters would love some side and front shots too, but please make sure you have the camera on the floor to take them.
.

Okey doke, will do. I would love to have him barefoot but am a complete novice ro this and would love any advice/opinions. Thank you!

 

[Carrottom]

I use Forage Plus hoof and skin for my ex racers, it's expensive but they don't get a lot else.

 

[Falcosmum]

I use Forage Plus hoof and skin for my ex racers, it's expensive but they don't get a lot else.

Thank you I'll look it up.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thank you ycbm for your reply. I will take some shots tomorrow, he had a trim 4 weeks ago but by a regular farrier not a barefoot specialist. In my view now you mention it I was thinking his back toes looked long in my mind. You make a very good point.

Say to your farrier to take them back to as far as they can go. My boy is 7 months barefoot at the back and every 5 weeks they have grown like wildfire and spread. He gets the best of feeding and his feet are really good for a tb. I always believe feed from the inside out

 

[Falcosmum]

Say to your farrier to take them back to as far as they can go. My boy is 7 months barefoot at the back and every 5 weeks they have grown like wildfire and spread. He gets the best of feeding and his feet are really good for a tb. I always believe feed from the inside out

Yes definitely, that is why I wondered if there was anything feed wise I could be giving him. Will take some pics of his feet later, he was itching to get out this morning bless him. Thank you for your advice.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Yes definitely, that is why I wondered if there was anything feed wise I could be giving him. Will take some pics of his feet later, he was itching to get out this morning bless him. Thank you for your advice.

I think copra has helped his feet massively

 

[Falcosmum]

Okey doke, will do. I would love to have him barefoot but am a complete novice ro this and would love any advice/opinions. Thank you!

Well we forum barefooters would love some side and front shots too, but please make sure you have the camera on the floor to take them.
.

I managed ro take a couple of pics of his near hind.

 

[splashgirl45]

I used formula4feet for my cushings mare and it worked really well, she also had splitting hoof walls and after they had improved I stopped feeding it and within a short time they were bad again so I kept her on it for the rest of her life .

 

[ycbm]

I managed ro take a couple of pics of his near hind.

Good base to start from! I would hope you will have little trouble with those. They aren't chipping in any way that matters, just ask your farrier for a blunted real and get him to teach you how to smooth them off for yourself between visits.

 

[Falcosmum]

Good base to start from! I would hope you will have little trouble with those. They aren't chipping in any way that matters, just ask your farrier for a blunted real and get him to teach you how to smooth them off for yourself between visits.

Thank you! Will do, Farrier is coming tomorrow, yay!

 

[ycbm]

Rasp, not real

 

[Elno]

Feedwise to want to make sure you cover the protein need (especially the limiting amino acids lysin and methionin- the latter is very important for hooves since it is needed for the synthesis of cysteine), copper and zink. Copper and zink should also be in proper relation to each other since too much of one of them inhibits the other.

 

[Falcosmum]

Hi everyone, so a little update. Since the farrier visit and asking for a blunted rasp, we have no more chipping! His feet look great and he seems happy on all surfaces, even with starting trot work as part of his rehab. Thank you for all your advice especially to @ycbm.