How can i improve my horses hooves?

[sam H]

I've got a 16.2 warmblood x ISH eventer, who's feet are constantly cracking or getting splits up the front of his hooves. My farrier tells me his hooves are a bit small for his size. He also has a habit of pulling off his shoes, though (fingers crossed) he seems to be stopping that. I've been applying Effol hoil oil, once to twice a day and I'm feeding him NAF boitin, to see if it will improve anything. If anyone has heard of anything else that might help, please let me know!?

 

[TwoStroke]

I'd suggest doing a search on here for barefoot diet - this is a diet for healthy hooves (and a healthy horse ).

To sumarise - sugar and starch are bad for feet, as are topical treatments such as hoof oil. Minerals need to be fed in sufficient quantities, and in a balanced fashion. Most of your horse's nutrients will come from your forage. Hard feed should only be used as a top up when necessary.

Also, if cracks have already formed, bugs may have set up shop. I'd consider giving them a good soaking in cleantrax, and keeping on top of the cracks with field paste/sudocreme.

 

[Dumbo]

Could the farrier staple the cracks or fill them?
I recommend cornacrescent to apply to the cracks in the meantime and around the coronet bone to improve growth

 

[amandap]

In my understanding and experience you cannot mend cracks or poor hooves, you have to grow healthy new ones. Cracks, poor hoof horn, abscesses etc. are symptoms of problems, trying to treat the symptoms just wont cut it, you have to address the cause/s.

Agree cut down on sugars and feed a decent balancer or better still get all your forage tested and feed appropriate minerals. Pro hoof and Forage Plus balancers are good generic ones to try. They are based on average of forage analysis from around UK. Cracks often get secondary infection but I have found with my horse addressing diet, especially sugars in her case, will allow the cracks to grow out. Bugs just cannot invade healthy lamina which is what has to be achieved through diet. You are what you eat...
Of course it isn't quite that simple but diet is the number one factor.

http://www.hoofrehab.com/diet.htm

 

[Nudibranch]

Get hold of a copy of Feet First. Even if you don't want to take shoes off it's very useful.

 

[CBFan]

Stop applying hoof oil and research barefoot diets.

Hoof oil does naff all to help hooves grow healthily.

 

[sam H]

Thank you all for your messages! My horse is a very good-doer, so he gets fed the bare minimum. I shall have a look at your dietery ideas and all.