Losing shoes

[supagran]

We have a lovely working hunter who was due to contest HOYS classes this year. Unfortunately his feet have become very brittle, and he's losing shoes within two weeks of being shod this summer. We have a great farrier, but we are all becoming very frustrated at this. Horse is being fed “Happy Hoof” and has feet dressed every day with Kevin Bacon. I remember feeding Biotin years ago to other horses – I appreciate that it takes 6-9 months for the benefits to be seen. Is there a more modern supplement that will help? Going barefoot to show is NOT an option. Do we bin off the rest of this season?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I find putting dressings on can actually make them worse if his feet are dry just put the hose on them every other day.

I would also feed a supplement for hooves I've use pro balance platinum and the hoof one from progressive earth, feeding salt in the diet can also help feet, farriers formula is another one micronised linseed can also help.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Feed from inside out

 

[Birker2020]

Low protein diets can cause hooves to become brittle. I'd start putting a good hoof moisturiser on his feet and get him onto a five week trimming/showing cycle.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I find putting dressings on can actually make them worse if his feet are dry just put the hose on them every other day.

I would also feed a supplement for hooves I've use pro balance platinum and the hoof one from progressive earth, feeding salt in the diet can also help feet, farriers formula is another one micronised linseed can also help.

Check with your farrier to see if his feet are in fact dry. I thought my boys feet were dry but farrier said they are definitely not and not to put anything on them. The bit of rain we are getting are keeping his feet moisturised. Your boys feet be too soft.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Shoesecure are brilliant, they helped my old lad. My issues went when I changed farrier.

 

[Burnttoast]

A proper balancer (Forageplus/Progressive Earth) or better still have your grass and forage analysed (that should also give you an idea of protein levels and quality for hay/haylage) and feed accordingly (Forageplus). You could consider shoeing just for shows, use boots or hoof armour in between until the feet have strengthened up.

 

[doodle]

My horses feet can become quite brittle and can break to the nail holes. Putting any sort of moisturiser on then every day makes it a pile worse. It seems to make his feet too soft and so the shoes come off even more easily. Kevin bacon made the white line disease much much worse. I now use silver feet twice a week at the most.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Would you be allowed to use Glushoes?

 

[supagran]

Would you be allowed to use Glushoes?

I don't think they would be allowed. My understanding of all the various rules is that "traditional" shoes only are allowed.