Formula for feet

Rebecca1988

Rebecca1988

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Just a quick one, the new horse I'm buying needs his feet trimming and sorting out. I've been told to get formula for feet, obviously I've heard of this but never had to use it. How good is it and what are the results like at the end? Thanks.
 
In 38 years as a farrier/barefoot trimmer I have never recommended anything for the feet other than a good diet inside, and a wire brush and clean water out.
There may well be times when a soak is needed, if there is poor growth or the horn quality is bad, in my opinion you must turn to the diet and management first.
There is so much money being made out of preparations, in fact 20 odd years ago I was asked if I was willing to promote one particular hoof additive, when I asked what was in it, they thought it was very funny to say ‘does it matter’.
I know things might have moved on , but the principle is the same, if you think your horse is deficient in something and that is causing poor feet, then find out what is missing and change the diet to increase the deficiency.
Sorry not be more helpful, but this is a particular hobby horse of mine!
 
well im another who doesnt usually feed supplements BUT my mares feet were breaking up and as she doesnt really get a feed(because she is too loony!) i started her on formula4feet and her feet improved...my farrier asked me if i was feeding her differently as her foot quality was so good. the only diff. was formula4feet, so i am a convert...
 
Op, do you mean formula4feet? I have heard some horses doing well taking this supplement (mineral etc. mix). Here's the ingredients for anyone good at sorting the wheat from the chaff. :D http://www.equilife.co.uk/Ingredanalysis.htm
Often horses getting excess sugars and starch can be a big factor in poor horn/hoof quality.
There's also advance complete from Equimins which has (I believe) a good spec for a basic supplement. http://www.equimins-online.com/all-products/2-equimins-advance-concentrate-powder.html

Often it is taking feeds out of a diet that can help the most eg. those with molasses or even garlic etc. So have a close look at what you are feeding in general and amount of grass etc. Tubes of polos etc. are also not helpful. :D
 
A good diet and regular exercise/turnout plus regular hoof trimming/shoeing [every six weeks not every six months!]
I feed Fast Fibre in summer as well as micronised linseed with Equimins advance. horse is stabled at night, but is on rough grazing.
Sugary feeds, lush grass and molasses aka Moglo are to be avoided.
 
Rebecca1988 said:
Just a quick one, the new horse I'm buying needs his feet trimming and sorting out. I've been told to get formula for feet, obviously I've heard of this but never had to use it. How good is it and what are the results like at the end? Thanks.
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I am of the opinion that people should present a horse for sale with feet trimmed or shod, otherwise he is not "fit for purpose" if they don't look after the horse, why should you sort it out for them?
 
I have tried loads with mine, nothing worked :(

Now he's on a balancer, good farrier and his feet have never looked better, I also use Kevin bacon on them a couple of times a week- wouldn't use anything else
 
Ditto what Moorman said. Soil & forage analysis and take it from there. Don't presume you are lacking anything and add unnecessary 'stuff'! :)
 
Thanks for the advice. His actual hooves themself are not too bad, it's his frogs there a right state. The only way I can describe them is that they are sunken in.
 
Rebecca1988 said:
Thanks for the advice. His actual hooves themself are not too bad, it's his frogs there a right state. The only way I can describe them is that they are sunken in.
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Assuming the horse is unshod (you mentioned trimming)... Sounds like the frogs have atrophied from lack of stimulation (if you're sure they're not just shedding?). Regular road work will help no end, provided the horse is comfortable with this.
 
Yeah he's unshod and the frogs don't seem to be shedding. He's happy on his feet and to have them picked out. The vet said its because in holland they stand in sheds all day in mud. Give him 6 months and f4f and they'll be fine. I must admit since walking him around on a hard surface they do look slightly better.
 
i agree with all comments!!! A good farrier should advise you well, regular foot trim and good balanced diet should do the trick, some supplements can be expensive so look for feed with bioten in which is good for foot growth hope all goes well!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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