Yearling with cracking hooves, advice?

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Evening all,

The filly's feet are in a right state, lots of little cracks. Not sure whether this is normal for a baby or not? Will it affect me showing her?

And if it ISNT normal, any advice on supplements or things to paint on etc? I have a tub of youngstock NAF that shes currently not eating, should I give her that? Would it help?

Thank you, PLEASE reply!!

Hannah xxxx
 
Have you had a farrier look at them to see what he thinks?

Most probably they are just dry because of the current switch in weather [wet - bone dry] Just have to look at the ground for a comparison!

A good soaking each day in water will do wonders and for hoof supplement, Kevin Bacon I find works wonders. Stay away from oils and paints as they can change the balance in the hoof from blocking hydration, etc.
 
How bad are the cracks? I am finding I am having to get my youngster (he is 3 now) trimmed very regularly...every 4 weeks or so....to keep them looking nice....they grow, then a bit chips off, then they crack a bit.....

I have just ordered 'formula 4 feet' (or something like that!), but obviously I cant comment on how good it is yet!!
 
Farrier had a look about 4 weeks ago (shes done every 6 weeks), and didnt do anthing to her, didnt even file off the scraggy bits because he said he thought they'd be better without being filed down. We have some kevin bacon stuff that might be worth a try - dont think i've got a hope in hell of getting her to stand with her foot in some water!!!!

Farrier back out in two weeks, thinking of asking him to file of the scraggy bits in case they're getting caught and making her worse? Thanks guys xxx
 
i spoke to our farrier and he suggests soak in water but u can use vegtable oil on them as it will at least keep the moisture they have in them already in them
speak to ur farrier
sorry i cant help with the showing bit x
 
Yes....I would get them filed so there arent the scruffy bits....Mine won't need any trimmed, but does need them shaping again...the ground is so hard, and the cracked bits make themselves worse....

I have had to call my farrier back out for next week as mine has a show next weekend and they will need to look tidy....he was only done 3 weeks ago!
 
Thanks guys, will ring farrier tomorrow and see what he thinks! Vegetable oil sounds like a good idea if I cant get her to stand still in a bucket (although she delights in standing in the bucket when Im picking her feet out, so we might have some luck yet!!)
 
I would definately NOT use veg oil on them. You can't then get any moisture into them as there's a barrier there. If I'm right, it's not so much about them losing moisture, more so not getting enough to keep them hydrated, hence why oils play no part in hoof hydration as water and oil don't mix.

If you have a hose, just keep the hose on them for half hour a day :) Or create a muddy patch in your field somewhere where they'll go to of their own accord to have a cool down.
 
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