Keratex vs Stronghorn

lynz88

lynz88

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I'm curious which one you have more success with? I dug up an older bottle of Keratex which has really, really helped horse with the wet - far more than the hoof armour - but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with Red Horse Stronghorn and how this compares with Keratex? My bottle of Keratex is coming to an end and thinking the Stronghorn may be easier as can ask the yard to spray his feet when he comes in which would really help in overall management. It looks like it can also be sprayed on frogs if needed and has antibacterial properties which I have liked about the hoof armour (in fact, the hoof armour really sorted out a central sulcus issue). But won't bother if it's not worth it...
 
I tried keratex in the past for a year or so but didn't find it did any good for my pony, I wish I'd known about hoof armour when I had him. Strong horn is a zinc sulphate hardener and there are a lot of sheep/cattle similar ones which may be more cost effective.
 
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Gloi said:
I tried keratex in the past for a year or so but didn't find it did any good for my pony, I wish I'd known about hoof armour when I had him. Strong horn is a zinc sulphate hardener and there are a lot of sheep/cattle similar ones which may be more cost effective.
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I think it depends on why your using keratex. My horses soles are so thin and were really spongy due to the wet weather. He was struggling to walk soundly over some old limestone we had in the yard. After a week or so of using it he walked over the stone perfectly. We have since moved yards were there is a lot of gravel. He walks on it fine.
 
Flowerofthefen said:
I think it depends on why your using keratex. My horses soles are so thin and were really spongy due to the wet weather. He was struggling to walk soundly over some old limestone we had in the yard. After a week or so of using it he walked over the stone perfectly. We have since moved yards were there is a lot of gravel. He walks on it fine.
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He was having problems with thin soles due to Cushing's. I got him boots but was trying to toughen his feet.
 
Flowerofthefen said:
I think it depends on why your using keratex. My horses soles are so thin and were really spongy due to the wet weather. He was struggling to walk soundly over some old limestone we had in the yard. After a week or so of using it he walked over the stone perfectly. We have since moved yards were there is a lot of gravel. He walks on it fine.
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This was my exact issue and Keratex has been amazing. I could see last week that horse was getting happier each day I painted his feet. The hoof armour good - don't get me wrong as it did make a difference but not as quick or as noticeable a difference as the Keratex. And I think it is because of it being so wet and his soles being soft and spongey for such a long period and he has to walk on a stoney, chalky, sandy track to get to his field which has just worn everything away over a period of time.

I just wish there was a spray of sorts so that I can ask the girls to spray his feet as part of his daily routine. Asking them to help with the Keratex seems like something that will be forgotten or just not done and I know I can't always consistently get down to do it.
 
lynz88 said:
This was my exact issue and Keratex has been amazing. I could see last week that horse was getting happier each day I painted his feet. The hoof armour good - don't get me wrong as it did make a difference but not as quick or as noticeable a difference as the Keratex. And I think it is because of it being so wet and his soles being soft and spongey for such a long period and he has to walk on a stoney, chalky, sandy track to get to his field which has just worn everything away over a period of time.

I just wish there was a spray of sorts so that I can ask the girls to spray his feet as part of his daily routine. Asking them to help with the Keratex seems like something that will be forgotten or just not done and I know I can't always consistently get down to do it.
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My farrier advised using it consistently for a few weeks then perhaps 2/3 times a week. Once ground dries up he said not to bother but if it turns wet again then use it again.
 
Zoeypxo said:
I didnt find strong horn to make any noticeable difference when i last used it. Keratex does help
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Me neither. I’m a bit disappointed as I’m a big fan of the field paste. I have a bottle of Keratex somewhere so am going to try that. I have the same problem of thin, soft soles on a cushings pony.
 
really good to know that the Stronghorn doesn't really do what it says it does and didn't just go ahead and buy it.

Looks like will need to carry on with the Keratex until someone comes out with a new product of some sort and with the way the weather is going, it doesn't look like there's much of an end in sight. I wouldn't mind if we had a stretch of dry and a day of rain here and there but it doesn't seem to be doing that.
 
Keratex hoof hardener, as suggested a few weeks ago by my vet for my 23yo PPID mare, has been a literal life saver.

She has very thin soles. She always has had thin soles, and her 4 lateral view foot x rays when vet was here shows that she still has, but her foot balance is otherwise good and there are no other obvious nasties there.

She was so much more comfortable once it was applied. I’ve just started using it again as it’s so p1ssing wet here again, and it’s performed another miracle.

I’m usually a great fan of Red Horse products, I have sole cleanse, hoof stuff and field paste, but strong horn was pretty disappointing tbh. It’s never improved anything. I don’t bother with it any more.
 
I could see it work within days on mine (as in about 2 days). he became progressively happier and noticed the change in his feet as well. I am not sure if you can spray anything underneath as I would ideally like to do this and is what is on my agenda to see if I can find out today. I am also debating on also using the hoof gel for periods where we are due for more continuously wet weather/mud - not to use as an everyday or very regular thing as the hoof needs some moisture but something that can provide somewhat of a barrier so we don't go too far backwards. It seems to me that we are not due for a particularly dry summer again (at least it would certainly seem that way so far this year)
 
Tiddlypom said:
I’m usually a great fan of Red Horse products, I have sole cleanse, hoof stuff and field paste, but strong horn was pretty disappointing tbh. It’s never improved anything. I don’t bother with it any more.
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This is so disappointing that so far, nobody rates the stronghorn. I thought my problem would be solved for maintaining but doesn't seem to be the case
 
I used Keratex with both Bailey and Lari and will definitely use this winter, making a start in the Autumn before it gets too wet again.
 
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