Broken Hoof

Hey! We got a new horse named cheech (he's a standardbred) from a lady who bought him for her children. She bought him from a trail company who told her about his "broken" hoof. Apparently when he was young, it was stepped on when he was very young so now it barely grows at all. If you don't keep cutting the good part, it cracks all the way to the top and he's no good. Aor horses are not shoed because we don compete. It only bothers him on packed dirt like roads and gravel. I don't know if we could shoe him or not so if you know what to do help!! Thanx

Talk to your farrier. If you don't use one, find one. An experienced farrier will know whether or not the hoof can hold a shoe.

I don't compete either, but my TB has front shoes because he needs them.

Hi Farmer,

We need photos if you would like any specific information. See the link in my signature below for what's needed.

Basically no, a horse shouldn't need shoes for a crack & I do believe sometimes it can make matters worse to hold together the bottom of the crack & yet put more pressure on the walls. Especially if it's the entire length of his hoof capsule, he may need it braced though, with a strap type affair across the crack.

There may be infection present which is perpetuating the crack, so this will need to be cut out. There may be hoof imbalance(eg. Wall too long in the region) perpetuating it. If it's been long standing & through the coronary border, there is likely to be always a 'fault' or 'divot' there, but generally you can still mend the crack so that it won't affect the hoof strength/soundness.

I think getting a farrier involved is a good idea. I guess I feel like there's a limit to what I'm capable of (simple trim), and what I need an expert for.

Pics would help.