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How to Fix Cracked Hooves?!

8K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  loosie 
#1 ·
My mare gets cracked hooves they crack from the bottom up midway on her front hooves
 
#3 ·
First and foremost I agree with SpeedRacer, the best advice you can get is from your ferriar. S/he knows you and your horse better than we do..When you talk to your ferriar and get started on a plan to correct the cracks, there are also MANY supplements you can feed your horse and aids you can brush on the hooves themselves to help the process along..Ask your ferriar which s/he thinks would be best for you and your horse.
 
#4 ·
I agree with these guys^! Cracks can be caused by many things! So, here's some things you need to check...
1. Balance Issues - if your farrier does not shoe your horse properly (one hoof smaller, longer, shorter than the other), they can have balance issues which causes cracks, flares, etc. If you feel that your farrier does a great job with your horses feet, then this isn't the problem. But, if your questioning his performance, ask for your vet's recommendation for a local farrier. That's what I did!
2. Weak Hooves - this can be fixed by using a supplement specifically formulated for weak/cracked hooves. They are not very expensive and are well worth it in the long run! Sometimes you can buy some that help with skin and coat, too.
3. Dryness - dry climates and rocky pastures can cause cracks, too. Some people have success using hoof conditioners. IMO, I believe that if your horse has balanced feet, you won't have to worry about dryness. I live in a very hot part of Texas with rocky soil and my horses have no problems with cracks because my farrier insure the horses have good, balanced hooves.
Hope this helps! :)
 
#5 ·
I agree mostly with what others have posted, except the brush on snake oil. Stay away from exterior polishes, seals, moisturizers, etc. etc. And dry environments tend to make stronger, not weaker hooves. Of course any extreme is difficult.

Good and regular trims.
Good diet including salt and minerals.
Good movement -- as much as possible on a wide variety of terrain.
Good daily cleaning and observation.
 
#8 ·
I think what he means by "cut in" is marking an X with his filer at the top of the crack. Some farriers use this technique to stop the crack from extending any higher. He'll trim the hoof normally, just make the X mark just above the crack. At least...that's what my guess is about what he means by "cut in right where the crack began." Surely he doesn't mean trim the horse's foot that high! He'd be crazy!
 
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