Hoof Ointment, AGAIN!

Sonseeahray's_girl · 08-12-2008, 12:20 PM

I have my gelding on a 30mg/day Biotin supplement, and have been feeding it to him for well over a year. His hoof walls are thicker, but they are still easily chipped/cracked. And he gets that annoying look on the top of one in particular that looks like it's peeling. I use Fiebing's ointment religiously, all to no effect.

So I called our Farrier's supply place, they recommended Tuff Stuff to harden the hoof walls, since my husband says they're very very soft. I haven't started it yet.

He doesn't get ouchy on stones/pavement, but he'll shred his hooves to heck, and I'd really like to find a solution. He is on pasture 24/7, which has been fairly wet this year, as we've had a lot of rain...not muddy, but wet. It has finally dried out in the past couple of weeks.

Suggestions?

CatsTack · 08-16-2008, 10:48 AM

The main reason for cracking & chipping feet is long hoof wall. The hoof wall should be fairly short, but above the sole plane.

Cracking & chipping are the hoof's natural way to get rid of what's in the way.

Nutrition can help grow a strong hoof. I also believe if the hoof doesn't have a harsh/tough environment then it won't grow hard.

If the wall is real soft, there maybe something else goin' on like seedy toe. I don't have much experience with seedy toe, so I'd suggest contacting your vet.

Good Luck

BarnBum · 08-16-2008, 12:07 PM

What is he kept in ? Muddy, dry, sandy, grass ........... Look into that. Extra dry situations , extra wet situations ??

My gelding had bad feet until I put him on a biotin supplement and is on a 4-5 week trim schedule. (thats a big key right there). His feet are fine. (barefoot).

Rainmaker is good for adding moisture if you need it. 2-3x week.

dymond · 08-19-2008, 05:51 PM

Could it be that your ointment kind of "seals in the moisture" ? Which is normally a good thing, with dry hooves.

However, if they are already constantly wet, they might not get a chance to dry out properly in between, with the ointment on top that seals in the moisture?

Dunno, grabbin' here

And I agree, the hoofwall might be allowed to get to long. I've been doing a lot of reasearch on trimming etc (want to eventually trim my own horse, in good time and after lots of learning). Usually a hoofwall will chip and break if left to long. I've had much better success with trimming every 4 to 5 weeks, esp. if the ground is to soft for the horse to do any "self trimming"...

rebel beck · 08-19-2008, 07:44 PM

There is a product I swear by for a problem hoof, Farriers Formula. It also works great on there coat and will make there tails grow. It's kinda pricey but well worth the cost.

Slim Pikkens · 08-21-2008, 08:21 PM

1/3 to 1/2 cup of corn oil fed daily will improve the hoof as well expecially when fed in conjunction with 1 lb. of Seniors fed twice daily. This can be fed to horses 5 yrs and up.

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08-12-2008, 12:20 PM
Sonseeahray's_girl Long Yearling Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,051	Hoof Ointment, AGAIN! I have my gelding on a 30mg/day Biotin supplement, and have been feeding it to him for well over a year. His hoof walls are thicker, but they are still easily chipped/cracked. And he gets that annoying look on the top of one in particular that looks like it's peeling. I use Fiebing's ointment religiously, all to no effect. So I called our Farrier's supply place, they recommended Tuff Stuff to harden the hoof walls, since my husband says they're very very soft. I haven't started it yet. He doesn't get ouchy on stones/pavement, but he'll shred his hooves to heck, and I'd really like to find a solution. He is on pasture 24/7, which has been fairly wet this year, as we've had a lot of rain...not muddy, but wet. It has finally dried out in the past couple of weeks. Suggestions? __________________ When I ride my horse, my heart is no longer in my chest ... it is between my knees.

08-16-2008, 10:48 AM
CatsTack Halter broke Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NC Posts: 106	The main reason for cracking & chipping feet is long hoof wall. The hoof wall should be fairly short, but above the sole plane. Cracking & chipping are the hoof's natural way to get rid of what's in the way. Nutrition can help grow a strong hoof. I also believe if the hoof doesn't have a harsh/tough environment then it won't grow hard. If the wall is real soft, there maybe something else goin' on like seedy toe. I don't have much experience with seedy toe, so I'd suggest contacting your vet. Good Luck __________________ Handmade tack including rope halters, leads, barrel reins, trail reins, and rhythm beads www.catstack.com

08-16-2008, 12:07 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,611	What is he kept in ? Muddy, dry, sandy, grass ........... Look into that. Extra dry situations , extra wet situations ?? My gelding had bad feet until I put him on a biotin supplement and is on a 4-5 week trim schedule. (thats a big key right there). His feet are fine. (barefoot). Rainmaker is good for adding moisture if you need it. 2-3x week. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

08-19-2008, 05:51 PM
dymond Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 170	Could it be that your ointment kind of "seals in the moisture" ? Which is normally a good thing, with dry hooves. However, if they are already constantly wet, they might not get a chance to dry out properly in between, with the ointment on top that seals in the moisture? Dunno, grabbin' here And I agree, the hoofwall might be allowed to get to long. I've been doing a lot of reasearch on trimming etc (want to eventually trim my own horse, in good time and after lots of learning). Usually a hoofwall will chip and break if left to long. I've had much better success with trimming every 4 to 5 weeks, esp. if the ground is to soft for the horse to do any "self trimming"... __________________ Lu "you are forever responsible for what you have tamed..."

08-19-2008, 07:44 PM
rebel beck Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 361	There is a product I swear by for a problem hoof, Farriers Formula. It also works great on there coat and will make there tails grow. It's kinda pricey but well worth the cost. __________________ Becky Horse Mom Stable Cleaner Groom

08-21-2008, 08:21 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	1/3 to 1/2 cup of corn oil fed daily will improve the hoof as well expecially when fed in conjunction with 1 lb. of Seniors fed twice daily. This can be fed to horses 5 yrs and up.