Good hoof supplements

[Rachael42]

Hi!
I have a working Shetland pony, he mainly is used for hacking. Recently I have noticed his feet haven’t been growing as much as normal, I just put this down to him wearing them down but he’s now becoming sensitive on some ground! He was previously on Robust hoof but he's very fussy and didn’t like the taste.
Can anyone recommend a supplement for him to help his little feet grow and harden? He’s already fed on a balancer daily.
I’m also going to look at getting him hoof boots. thanks

 

[Zuzan]

I don't know which balancer you're using.. my advice would be to ditch the balancer and feed straights with a good hoof friendly supplement like Progressive Earth's Pro Hoof. The hoof friendly straights I would consider are Micronised linseed very basic chop .. like the Halley's feeds ones that don't have either Molasses or MoGlo added. Also consider this is spring and spring grass often makes hooves more sensitive so depending on how much grazing he has I would think about restricting it during April May and June and feeding soaked hay.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

The pony is barefoot, yes??

In which case I would suggest you go onto one of the Barefoot groups on Facebook; the one I'm on is called something like "Barefoot Horse Owners Group UK" (or similar wording). You need a UK-based one as American ones tend to recommend products that you might find difficult to source over here.

Pro Earth, Thunderbrooks & Equimins Hoof Mender seem to be the most recommended products. I use the Equimins on my two horse's who have transitioned to barefoot since last Autumn.