I'd like the help of more experienced eyes to understand, how could my boys' hooves be improved. The pictures were taken a day after the monthly trim (done by my barefoot trimmer). I have also started to do maintenance trims in between the monthly ones, as the hooves grow so fast during summer, so I'd appreciate tips on how I could support the growth of a healthy hoof.
His living conditions: Grass pastures, dry summers, very wet cold seasons, concrete surroundings and roads, a rocky road to the trails (he's a bit ouchy about that), dry and hard dirt trails, sand arena. He's fed low sugar/starch feeds, never been shod, I take him on walks over various terrains, and he has a history of contracted hooves which won't open up, no matter what.
His front hooves have a slight groove that has now almost grown out - it appeared on both his front hooves after a huge abscess in each front hoof last November.
Side view:
Front view:
Back view:
(Pictures of hooves will now be coming, leg by leg)
His living conditions: Grass pastures, dry summers, very wet cold seasons, concrete surroundings and roads, a rocky road to the trails (he's a bit ouchy about that), dry and hard dirt trails, sand arena. He's fed low sugar/starch feeds, never been shod, I take him on walks over various terrains, and he has a history of contracted hooves which won't open up, no matter what.
His front hooves have a slight groove that has now almost grown out - it appeared on both his front hooves after a huge abscess in each front hoof last November.
Side view:
Front view:
Back view:
(Pictures of hooves will now be coming, leg by leg)