Recommend a good hoof hardener!

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Rosehip

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My little welsh broodmare has got very flat TB type feet, and quite thin, soft soles. As she is in foal, my farrierr has said that as she gets heavier, her feet will get flatter with the increased weight, and the slight flare she has will get more pronounced. He said that a hoof hardener wouldnt be a bad idea, but didnt say any specific sort....sooooooo, what do you guys think is a good one?
I had her on biotin when I 1st got her, as her feet were pretty pants, but Im not sure I can give it to a pregnant mare??

Thanks in advance!!
 
Naff pro feet worked wonders on my old TB. Not sure if it can be given to a pregnant mare, you'd need to check.
 
My farrier swears by the Kevin Bacon stuff, but he says a cheaper, homemade version is cold liver oil melted down with a load of lard, whack it in the fridge and hey presto! :)
 
just out of interest why a hoof hardener?
is she shod? in my experience with my own mares feet (not in foal) her feet crack when they are dry and brittle therefore a hardener would make them worse if that makes sense? so greasing them up makes more supple so better condition, though if you ask most farriers they think hoof ointment are a waste of time but..... that is another debate :)
 
My farrier swears by sugar and iodine mixture to harden thin soles, i used it on my TB's feet and and it definately does help.

I have also used kevin bacon hoof dressing to keep the hooves moist and to prevent cracking and keep the hoof walls supple which does also work.

Feedwise, obviously you need to check it's ok for mares in foal, farriers formula, biotin, naf pro feet are all good supplements.

The most important thing is that your mare has her feet regularly trimmed or shod so that the toes do not get long and flare out and then cause the heels to collapse, which will then put strain on the tendons.

hope that helps.
 
QR
Keratex is fantastic for hardening, cournocresine(sp?) is great for encouraging healthy hoof growth as is formula for feet.
Hope this helps :)
 
I believe it is better to feed for healthy hooves than treat the problem when already grown.

Once horn is grown, it's like hair and nails. If it's bad quality, no amount of styling products and conditioners will change it although it will help the superficial layers cosmetically. Deep down, it's still poor quality.

If you choose a hoof-hardener/conditioner, consider feeding hoof supplements - another vote for Formula4Feet - alongside. The difference will be most visible very soon! :)
 
Cheers for all the replies!
I use effol hoof moisturiser on both the girlies feet to keep them supple, Mellys feet (in sig) just drink up the moisturiser, but are very hard and the farrier is more than happy with her! They are both barefoot as Seren is a broodie and Mels feet are plenty hard enough for the semi retirement work I do with her.
I would prefer to feed for condition of the feet, rather than be painting stuff on...and Im wary of using cornucrecine as I dont actually want her feet to grow any faster, just stronger if that makes sense?
I'll have to do some research into F4F and biotin to see if I can feed them to a broodie.
Thanks again x
 
Kertex hoof hardener is great stuff, we use it on the big horse who is unshod, she can become a little footsore occasionally, esp when the weather and ground get wetter. She also had alot of hydrotherapy treatment and came back with very soft feet, we tried iodine and sugar on vets advice to no gain but Keratex worked a treat and is easy to apply.
 
My horse has poor quality hoof and normally his feet crack and bits break off every summer. I have been using Carr, Day and Martin cornucresine based hoof treatment. It comes in a tall red can with a built-in brush. There are others that are similar made by the same people but that can/type is the one I use. I have been amazed at the difference this yr - I do use it every day but no cracking or broken bits and the farrier says his feet are much better.
 
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