My horse's hooves aren't growing?

[Spandale]

Hello!

I'm from NSW, Australia. At the moment we're experiencing the worst drought in our history and it's hitting us hard. Theres no water, barely any hay, and if there is any it's price is 4x the usual, theres absolutely no grass. Our once lush paddocks have been reduced to dusty dry dirt. But weirdly, it would appear it has also affected my horse's hooves? Ever since this drought hit us, his hooves have stopped growing. Today marks the day that he has gone 10 weeks without a trim. On one hand I am glad because buying feed to keep him alive is sending me broke and to add farrier costs on top of that would be a nightmare. But on the other hand I'm worried he's malnourished or something? Is there any particular reason a horse's hoof would stop growing?

 

[Red-1]

Hi, yes, nutrition is closely related to hoof growth. My horses have a growth spurt in early summer when the grass comes through and need trimming more often.


I would feed a quality supplement in some hay replacer feed.

 

[ycbm]

The ground is so hard it's doing a great job trimming my horses feet. Are you sure they've stopped growing and not just wearing away by themselves? If he's sound, I wouldn't worry anyway, unless the quality changes at the top. If money is a problem, can't you buy a rasp and trim him yourself, it really isn't rocket science on a horse with reasonably straight legs?

 

[HappyHollyDays]

You sound as though you are having a bit of a rough time over there with the drought but don't worry about your horses feet. We too are experiencing rather unseasonably warm weather and it has affected my horses feet in a similar way. DP is unshod and normally grows a decent amount of foot between trimmings but this summer not only has the growth slowed he is also retaining the sole. As he lives on fresh air he is fed minimal calories with a good quality balancer and a small amount of hay when he is in during the day so doesn't lack for essential vitamins and minerals.

 

[Northern]

Hello!

I'm from NSW, Australia. At the moment we're experiencing the worst drought in our history and it's hitting us hard. Theres no water, barely any hay, and if there is any it's price is 4x the usual, theres absolutely no grass. Our once lush paddocks have been reduced to dusty dry dirt. But weirdly, it would appear it has also affected my horse's hooves? Ever since this drought hit us, his hooves have stopped growing. Today marks the day that he has gone 10 weeks without a trim. On one hand I am glad because buying feed to keep him alive is sending me broke and to add farrier costs on top of that would be a nightmare. But on the other hand I'm worried he's malnourished or something? Is there any particular reason a horse's hoof would stop growing?

Generally I've found in Australia that hooves will grow slower in winter in line with poorer pasture availability, so I wouldn't worry too much.

There is little to no rain predicted in the three monthly forecast now (50%+ deficits to average rainfall), so I would be worrying more about adequate roughage going through his system. Hay is going to get even more expensive, so some people I know are feeding speedibeet/maxi soy to ensure adequate fibre intake. If you can get his diet right for the conditions, his hooves should stay in good condition. If you can spare some water, splash it on the ground around his water trough so he can stand in the mud when he drinks, it will help soften his hooves a bit and can prevent dry cracks.

You may find his growth will speed up as we go into spring

 

[paddy555]

Hi, yes, nutrition is closely related to hoof growth. My horses have a growth spurt in early summer when the grass comes through and need trimming more often.


I would feed a quality supplement in some hay replacer feed.

I really feel for you with no grass and little hay. It has been very dry in the UK but all my feet have continued to grow, lots. All my horses have a supplement. I have a cushings horse. He had zero growth all year round and it was a nightmare. I started him on a good quality supplement (equimins) and his feet noticeably started to grow and then achieved normal growth rates. Could you substitute your farrier costs for a good supplement?

 

[Spandale]

Generally I've found in Australia that hooves will grow slower in winter in line with poorer pasture availability, so I wouldn't worry too much.

There is little to no rain predicted in the three monthly forecast now (50%+ deficits to average rainfall), so I would be worrying more about adequate roughage going through his system. Hay is going to get even more expensive, so some people I know are feeding speedibeet/maxi soy to ensure adequate fibre intake. If you can get his diet right for the conditions, his hooves should stay in good condition. If you can spare some water, splash it on the ground around his water trough so he can stand in the mud when he drinks, it will help soften his hooves a bit and can prevent dry cracks.

You may find his growth will speed up as we go into spring

Unfortunately water is also very scarce and it dries up fast so putting it near his trough would be too hard. I might just give his hooves a good oil on that front He's on ICE pellets, rice bran, pony mix chaff and hay at the moment. All the horses where he stays are getting 4 biscuits of hay a day, it's costing us dearly. His coat is super shiny and he's not underweight, he's a rescue who was severely neglected so I think he's used to not getting much attention. Good to know! Thanks!!