thin soles

[UKa]

What would you recommend is best to do with thin soles to avoid them bruising, make them stronger - preferably any solutions that don't involve shoeing (although I would go along those lines if it is essential) -
thanks

 

[AmyMay]

Shoeing...................

 

[AnnaJ]

Hi

Have you tried some Equi Boots? I know my mare has slow growing hooves and it's impossible for her to keep her front shoes on. The ones that I bought her cost me around £30 eachbut you can buy them off E-bay. Hope this is helpful

 

[vickers22]

farriers formula has strengthened my tb's soles really well and really improved his feet-miracle!

 

[brightmount]

The soles are the only part of a horse's hoof where keratex hoof hardener can be used in a barefoot horse, but obviously don't paint the frog or white line.

I would recommend Old Mac boots for rough ground. Also Sole Mates pads inside the boots if you can get them (available from EPs).

 

[UKa]

thanks, all, these are helpful; got the farrier booked in for Monday and will speak to him too see what he says about her feet

 

[Tia]

If your horse is bruising soles then I think it is unfair to not shoe the horse. We have 23 barefoot here but 2 have very soft and sensitive soles therefore they are shod. Seems the only sensible and kind thing to do in my opinion.

 

[Triskar]

Use Old Macs boots for exercise on hard ground, and cut old mouse mats to fit the boot to cushion the sole. Use Keratex hoof hardener, and farrier's formula to improve the foot, and if exercising on a smooth hard surface (smooth tarmac) go barefoot, gradually building up the amount of barefoot work to stimulate sole growth - I've got a TB with awful feet, too!

 

[Sags_Deer]

keratex

 

[MillionDollar]

Shoeing and prehaps putting leather pads on. My mare was dreadful at getting bruised feet until we put pads on her, have no trouble now.

Or as others have suggested Old Mac boots- friend has used them for her horse and they have saved his life literally!