horizontal crack

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will post pics of his feet ASAP.

luvstoride- I see what you mean about him standing under himself...haven't particularly noticed that before. I checked through all my pics and I don't have any other pics where he is doing that.

Thanks for the thrush advice...I haven't noticed any black goo, or odor at all, but I do treat for thrush as a preventative measure.

What is it exactly you guys don't like about his hoof angle? I think someone said they are too long? Willy's had the same farrier for about 5 years and is perfectly sound. I actually really like my farrier and he has an outstanding reputation in the area....just curious?

I will say that when the "crack" emerged it was very hard to tell what the heck was going on. I wouldn't blame my farrier for not naming it on the spot. In his defense, the vet had no clue either and our vet team is pretty amazing. Vet just said to keep an eye on it, and that it was no pressing issue- so did my farrier...and it isn't a pressing issue, so I can't be too put off by their lack of answers, right? Discuss?

Standing under himself like that can be a sign of laminitis or founder. Laminitis can be slight enough to not cause lameness when ridden, but can cause slight changes in gait and/or resting position, and hoof health. If you notice him standing like that again, I would seriously look at his diet and try to get out to exercise him more. Even small amounts of grains or feed along with new spring grass can cause laminitis or founder. The "cure" is to cut out the grain/feed and increase exercise.

finally an answer. I havfe been all over this forum looking for answers as to what is going on with my boys hooves. The weather has been wet dry wet dry here lately also and his back coronet cuticles seem to be peeling away from the hoof. I was freaking out. I will keep checkin this thread to see what the after photos look like. What ointments do you recommend to help with the dryness?