Kerratex Hoof Hardener

[Stasha22]

Have just had my mares shoes taken off and although she is not lame or foot sore as such, she does seem to be slightly more careful about where she is putting her feet.

Am thinking about trying Kerratex on her so just wondered if anyone has used it and what you think?

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I tried it on barefoot girlie for a short period and then used Farriers formula for a longer term effect.

I found it helped to a limited extent but nothing dramatic and wouldnt bother again.

 

[burtie]

It can be very useful to help harden the feet when first taking shoes off, especially in this wet weather we are having. I have used it for this very successfully.

I wouldn't use it long term and don't think it really helps anyway, if the horse is still footy it probably needs shoes back on.

 

[Stasha22]

Ideally I want to use it short term just until she's used to being barefoot. Was thinking a couple of months max just to help her cope with the change.

She's fed Formula 4 feet anyway which does seem to help to keep her feet strong.

 

[clairencappelli]

I have used it when my girl needed her shoes taken off for her op and wont have them untill she is ridden again and does road work.

I think its def helped but my horse does have good feet antway however she only goes onto the flat yard of field/stable so the ground is fine.

It can help but its not a substitue for no shoes if your horses work warrants shoes. Obviously i dont know why your horse has no shoes and your reasons for this but i did find it helped but my horse isnt in work yet so her feet are under no pressure.

 

[Stasha22]

Her shoes have been taken off as she has just been retired due to severe kissing spines.

 

[lizzieb]

I used Keratex on my horse this summer when he was losing shoes every week when it was really wet. I'm not sure whether it was change of farrier or the Keratex but he started keeping is shoes on

I've stopped using it now as he's out 24/7 and still keeping his shoes on

I'll use it again next year when he's eventing as I've still got some left.

 

[molehill]

I think it is brill.
Maybe you could think about just keeping your mare shod in front??

 

[eventer28]

I think its great stuff and I make my own..

 

[Daphnelia]

A friend used it and really liked it, but I have heard that prolonged use can cause the walls to become brittle.
Re taking her shoes off, it took my horse at least 6 months to become fully comfortable on all surfaces, he was turned away for 3 of those. He is now sound on all surfaces, and his feet have changed shape and look really good. I fed him biotin but nothing else. Give it a good try before you decide to put shoes on her, as some horses take longer than others for their feet to harden.