Feet - what's going going wrong? suggestions? - pics

[Polos Mum]

9 y/o OTTB had great feet for the 14 months I've had him then small crack in both back feet, getting bigger and no all the way through the toe - I can get a hoofpick right into the hole (and need to to dig out stones that are getting in there)

He was unshod behind when I got him so I must be doing something wrong?

How can I fix this?

He's sound but not comfortable when stones get in there (which is often!)

 

[Primitive Pony]

What's his routine? - I have had to take my horse off the grass during the day time for now as his feet weren't coping, similar effects in that he developed a couple of little cracks and was picking up stones. Now that I'm stabling him in the day time and feeding hay, his feet are fine again.

 

[Cheiro1]

His feet look quite long to me, could it be that he just needs his toes a bit shorter?

There will be people who are much more qualified to offer advice than me though

 

[Goldenstar]

I think his toes are too long as well .

 

[FfionWinnie]

I agree about the length too. I would be rasping a tiny bit off very regularly, to get rid of that crack.

 

[Polos Mum]

Thanks all,
he's out 24/7 and the grass has really started growing in the last month - which could well be a cause - but he was the same routine/ fields last year with no ill effect. Reluctant to bring him in as he stresses in and the rest of him needs to carry a little more weight.

He's in light work (hacking 3/4 times a week) - he could well do with more so could be a contributor.

I'll start a little more rasping

Any idea why this would be both back feet and not the front ones? The front ones look fine

 

[Goldenstar]

Thanks all,
he's out 24/7 and the grass has really started growing in the last month - which could well be a cause - but he was the same routine/ fields last year with no ill effect. Reluctant to bring him in as he stresses in and the rest of him needs to carry a little more weight.


He's in light work (hacking 3/4 times a week) - he could well do with more so could be a contributor.


I'll start a little more rasping

Any idea why this would be both back feet and not the front ones? The front ones look fine

This is exactly what happens to J if you let him self trim the front are fine the backs get long toes .
I do his weekly .
It's not something to ignore long toes behind can cause suspensory issues at the hock end of the ligament .

 

[FfionWinnie]

Front feet carry more weight (the head/neck) than back feet therefore they wear faster.

My mare is in hard work and on hardcore all the time and I don't need to touch her hinds. Previous horses I did have to occasionally.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

What's his routine? - I have had to take my horse off the grass during the day time for now as his feet weren't coping, similar effects in that he developed a couple of little cracks and was picking up stones. Now that I'm stabling him in the day time and feeding hay, his feet are fine again.

Did not realise stabling might actually help. Mine Currently lives out 24/7 but new yard will be stabled day time. He has awful feet. So I hope I will see an improvement myself.

 

[Polos Mum]

Thanks - I'll get on top of the length and see if that helps - anything I can put in the hole to stop stones working their way up?

 

[Mrs G]

Thanks - I'll get on top of the length and see if that helps - anything I can put in the hole to stop stones working their way up?

Have a look at Red Horse website, I've used their hoof Stuff for thrush to very good effect, but no reason why it shouldn't help you too - to stuff in the hole!