Hoof care advice

Eggshells

Eggshells

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Hello all.

New horse has very beaten up feet: Chunks missing, dry, generally a bit of a mess. Good news is the hoof looks to be growing in very nicely and farrier feels he should have good feet within a couple of shoeings.

However, I just wanted advice on what to feed him/put on his hooves to keep them from getting worse and to make sure they continue to grow nicely. He lives out on good grass and is fed happy hoof (legacy from his previous home) and I've started him on spillers balancer and feel good 30's garlic, parsley and linseed oil mix in addition to the happy hoof. I use Kevin Bacons hoof dressing all over the hoof and apply once a day.

He's already pulled a shoe (my fault - over reach boots were rubbing a bit so I took them off, hey presto, next morning one less shoe on) and lost even more hoof. Hence my query.

Thank you!
 
Red flag - needing over-reach boots to keep shoes on... that makes me think that his hooves might not be balanced correctly. Does he have long toes and under-run heels?

Happy Hoof is not good for hooves, despite the name. You need to feed low sugar and low starch and high fibre. You also need a good hoof supplement that has good levels of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium as most UK grazing is short of these. Many on here really rate Pro-Hoof.
 
Thank you Faracat!

The happy hoof is a left over from his previous home (had him less than a month), I know it isn't rated very highly, so open to other suggestions for main feed. The balancer contains copper and zinc but I will look at magnesium supplements.

I think he was hooning about when he pulled his shoe off, but he does over track something chronic.

Don't have close ups of his feet, but here is one of him a week or so after he arrived with me (before first farrier visit). General CC welcome as well as comments on his hooves!

picture.php
 
The balancer also contains iron which will prevent the copper, which is in any case far too low, from being absorbed.

There are only two supplements with the right balance that barefooters recommend. Forageplus or Pro hoof. First has a website, second is sold on eBay
 
He's very smart. :)

Could you take some close up photos of his hooves? You will need to have the camera practically on the ground when taking side and front shots. Shots of the underneath would be helpful too.

ETA - I think that the ebay shop that sells pro-hoof is temporarily closed at the moment while the owner is away - they should be back in a few days though. :)
 
Last edited:
Faracat said:
He's very smart. :)

Could you take some close up photos of his hooves? You will need to have the camera practically on the ground when taking side and front shots. Shots of the underneath would be helpful too.

ETA - I think that the ebay shop that sells pro-hoof is temporarily closed at the moment while the owner is away - they should be back in a few days though. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you, I'm rather smitten it must be said.

Will take some pics tomorrow and get back to you! My hoof knowledge isn't great so welcoming all advice.

Was rather 'fused when trying to find pro hoof at first but then realised that they were on hols :)
 
My mare had awful feet at the beginning of the year, and I've had really good results with putting Hoof Heal on daily. I then moved onto Kevin Bacon as it was recommended to me, but within a few weeks had bought more Hoof Heal as it seems to have a much better effect.
 
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