Critique front feet?

What do you think of this file job? I'd love to hear how it could be improved.

Has it been like that for while? Or it's like first trim on hoofs in very bad shape? If it's for while then I'd say it looks pretty bad, if it's 1st or 2nd trim on hoofs, which were in horrible condition, then it's not bad - just takes time to improve.

What I see right off is that the hoof wall has been filed too high and there needs to be a stronger bevel(mustang roll) at ground level to aid breakover and also to keep chipping under control.

I totally agree with appyt 100%

Yes, it's the second trim and before then they had not been done in years. I should have said that in my first post, sorry!

Appyt, could you show me an example photo? I'm having a hard time seeing what you are describing.

I think they would look better with some steel nailed to them. That's a pretty bad crack at the toe and it could lame your horse if it went any deeper.

I believe you can put something like "braces" on that crack. My farrier explained it to me once (my neighbor's OTTB has similar split), but I don't quite remember the details. But yes, he said it's better to take care of something like that rather then leave it on its own.

For the hoofs being neglected for so long I personally think it's a very decent trim. While there are still flares and those cracks all over it's usually impossible to get rid of all of that in just one trim (and sometime even in 2 or 3).

Just putting a shoe on will keep the crack from spreading unless they are really riding hard on hard surfaces.

I agree with Kevin.

Normally I'm 100% for shoeless-ness. But until you have healthy growth and a a good foot the shoes help to keep the feet from falling apart. I'm going through the same thing myself, putting shoes on until I have a hoof healthy enough to hold its own... one without chips and cracks. Honestly you could mustang roll my horse's feet daily and his hoof would still chip away just from being turned out in a 10 acre grassy pasture!

Feet take a LONG time to improve. Don't expect over night changes.

Are you doing your own hoof care?