[mtngrl7500]

Okay, it's been years since I've had to deal with this (over 15) so I do count myself lucky, but it's been a pretty dry spring/early summer and Dora's hooves are just awful. There are a ton of little hairline cracks going vertically up her hooves and they're just very dry in general. When I had this problem in the past with another horse, I just gave him Biotin and kept Hoofmaker slathered on and it seemed to work just fine. The cracks didn't get worse, they eventually grew out, and his hooves seemed healthy overall. I've started doing this with Dora, because like I said, it worked before.

Well, since going into the feed store and getting unasked for advice from sales people I'm questioning myself. They're telling me to paint her feet with this pine tar oil (that may be the wrong wording) at least once a week as well as the Hoofmaker to keep moisture in. I have always heard that you only use that if the horse if in damp circumstances so that the hoof doesn't get too much moisture and prevents rot. Besides, if I use that but continue to use the Hoofmaker, wouldn't it prevent the Hoofmaker from moisturizing the hoof?

Anyhow, I'm just looking for others thoughts on this. Or if you have a completely new suggestion as a fix I'm open to it, too.

 

[jrcci]

the lesson horse i ride had a really bad crack in his hoof taht took a year to grow out. we put horseshoers secret (deep conditioning treatment on it) its a little expensive but not to bad and it has REALLLY helped trigger alot. give it a try!

 

[countercanter]

I have always been told conditioner when they are dry and oil when its wet outside. It would make sense since oil repels water and conditioner adds moisture. With my horse I use conditioner when his feet are dry, oil when its wet out, and he is on a biotin supplement.

 

[MyBoyPuck]

I had very good success with Keratix products (hoof hardener and hoof gel) and something called Hoof Alive. The Hoof Alive really seemed to help with surface cracks, but then my horses were more from moisture than dryness. I personally don't like the tars/oils. They seem to just make the hoof more gushy.

 

[aforred]

Hoof Alive and biotin are good, and so is methionine. You could always feed a supplement for hooves or hair: there are some good ones out there. I have used Nu Image for a long time, and it does improve hoof texture. Anything topical doesn't actually "heal" the cracks, just makes them swell so you can't see them.

 

[aforred]

I just read this article from thehorse.com. (You might have to join to read it, but it's free.)

The Horse | Managing Wet Feet