To Epoxy or Not

Diamond's Angel · 08-19-2008, 11:42 AM

So got new horse. Farrier coming out next week to reset shoes in front and look to see what we can do for my girl. I think Epoxy filling cracks to keep it together. Has anyone delt with this type of crack? It already looks better, apply Hoof Heal to it and the hooves already show improvement. What do you think??
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1219164059
http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1219164104

**taelesean** · 08-19-2008, 11:50 AM

Whether or not to fill would up to your farrier when he gets there and sees what's going on. On one hand, the fill would keep dirt and stuff from getting into the cracks and making them worse, on the other, the fill itself would hold the crack open.

Usually, the fill is only used if the farrier has to wire or nail the crack shut, or if there is significant hoof lost at the bottom.

My personal feeling is to leave them unfilled - with proper trimming and shoeing they'll more likely close faster that way.

Diamond's Angel · 08-19-2008, 12:35 PM

Thank you for the explaination. I was wondering why the previous farrier (old owners farrier said filling was not neccessary. That makes sense. I will wait to see what he says. Hopefully the hoof heal will help and prevent any further cracking.

Kelpie · 08-19-2008, 02:27 PM

I had a gelding who had a crack like that; most of the eight yrs I owned him. My Ferrier and I tried all kinds of things..... hoof supliments, special shoes, filling with every type of epoxy you can think of... most popped out after a week or so. We got it better but never gone! Anyway last year she had a Ferriers meeting and had me bring the old boy out, as a hoof problem example. He also had DSLD so needed special shoeing. At the ferriers meet was a "master" Ferrier from down south... he had a field day with my gelding saying what a great example of advanced DSLD he was

..... But after three ferriers spent 5hrs making special shoes for my gelding (all in the name of education; which ment the shoes were free for me

) The master Ferrier noticed his quarter crack. He took a dremmill tool to it and drilled out about 3/4" into the hoof, all the way down the crack. It seemed extreme, but you should have seen the Sh** that came out from behind that crack. At one point it was ozzing black yuck and everyone thought it was an old absess. But no, it was the dirt that over the years had work its way in there and was keeping the crack open. Once it was dremmilled it looked smooth and clean inside, no crack. After that I kept it clean and packed with hoof pack..... it was almost grown out when he died 5 months later.

Tobiesmom · 08-19-2008, 04:47 PM

Boy.... are all her feet like that??? I'd love to hear what your farrier decides to do. I have used filler (wood filler) in chipped out areas of a hoof (like when a section breaks out below the nail line), in order to prevent the horse from catching the shoe with the other foot and ripping the shoe off. But I don't have any experience with filling a crack, per se. I'm with the others.... probably best to let your farrier make the call.

If you haven't already, I'd recommend you put her on a feed supplement like Farrier's Formula (may be marketed as Horseshoer's Secret). These are good supplements that will enhance fast growth of healthy feet (and mane and tail) Your externally applied products (like Hoof Heal) are good to help the foot retain moisture and regain some flexibility. And the fact the feet are already responding is a good sign. But you have to grow a healthy foot from the inside of the horse; you can't create it from the outside.

I notice that her feet are kind of 'pancake' shaped.... sometimes when horses are out on pasture without good consistent foot care, the foot spreads and flatten out in profile. She is going to need some good care, and good nutrition to help get her feet back under her. Good luck... be sure to update and let us know how it is going!!

jtfer1968 · 08-19-2008, 04:50 PM

A friend of mine used hoof alive on her horse's hoof that was cracked similar to your horse's hoof. No epoxy though. The crack has grown out now. Even the farrier was impressed with her results.

Diamond's Angel · 08-20-2008, 09:21 AM

Talked to farrier. Currently putting the hoof heal on daily until he comes out. This should help with the dryness. He will then look at the crack and let me know the best course of action. So it is a waiting game until next Wed when he comes out. I will post picutres after he leaves.

nrhareiner · 08-25-2008, 09:58 PM

I would not fill the craks with apoxy. I would talk to your farrier and see what he sugests. Personally I would see if he can get you glue on shoes. they are not the best oppion in for many things but they do stay on OK and will eliminate the nail holes in the hoof wall. Also and I have done this with many horses. This time of year it gets so dry that causes a lot of problems. So I have done several differnt thing that do work well. I have let the area around the water tank flod so keep the horses feet wet/damp. I have also used davis Medison boots to put mosturizer on the foot and keep it there for a longer time. Find this works well. Then just time. Keeping from riding too will help if you can as you will be putting less waight on the horses hoofs/feet. Also agood feed through like Bioten dose help over the long haul.

No matter what you try hope it works.

Heidi

Diamond's Angel · 08-28-2008, 01:16 PM

Farrier came out last night. Pulled the shoes and trimmed. He recommened to keep her bare and use tuff stuff on her feet to seal. Cracks are only surface and the foot is actually in good condition. It is just the outer wall. Going to get the stuff and try. He also said she is ok for riding so let the training begin.

08-19-2008, 11:42 AM
Diamond's Angel Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 22	To Epoxy or Not So got new horse. Farrier coming out next week to reset shoes in front and look to see what we can do for my girl. I think Epoxy filling cracks to keep it together. Has anyone delt with this type of crack? It already looks better, apply Hoof Heal to it and the hooves already show improvement. What do you think?? http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1219164059 http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w...g?t=1219164104

08-19-2008, 11:50 AM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,675	Whether or not to fill would up to your farrier when he gets there and sees what's going on. On one hand, the fill would keep dirt and stuff from getting into the cracks and making them worse, on the other, the fill itself would hold the crack open. Usually, the fill is only used if the farrier has to wire or nail the crack shut, or if there is significant hoof lost at the bottom. My personal feeling is to leave them unfilled - with proper trimming and shoeing they'll more likely close faster that way. __________________

08-19-2008, 12:35 PM
Diamond's Angel Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 22	Thank you for the explaination. I was wondering why the previous farrier (old owners farrier said filling was not neccessary. That makes sense. I will wait to see what he says. Hopefully the hoof heal will help and prevent any further cracking.

08-19-2008, 02:27 PM
Kelpie Newborn Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vermont Posts: 47	I had a gelding who had a crack like that; most of the eight yrs I owned him. My Ferrier and I tried all kinds of things..... hoof supliments, special shoes, filling with every type of epoxy you can think of... most popped out after a week or so. We got it better but never gone! Anyway last year she had a Ferriers meeting and had me bring the old boy out, as a hoof problem example. He also had DSLD so needed special shoeing. At the ferriers meet was a "master" Ferrier from down south... he had a field day with my gelding saying what a great example of advanced DSLD he was..... But after three ferriers spent 5hrs making special shoes for my gelding (all in the name of education; which ment the shoes were free for me) The master Ferrier noticed his quarter crack. He took a dremmill tool to it and drilled out about 3/4" into the hoof, all the way down the crack. It seemed extreme, but you should have seen the Sh** that came out from behind that crack. At one point it was ozzing black yuck and everyone thought it was an old absess. But no, it was the dirt that over the years had work its way in there and was keeping the crack open. Once it was dremmilled it looked smooth and clean inside, no crack. After that I kept it clean and packed with hoof pack..... it was almost grown out when he died 5 months later.

08-19-2008, 04:47 PM
Tobiesmom Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 444	Boy.... are all her feet like that??? I'd love to hear what your farrier decides to do. I have used filler (wood filler) in chipped out areas of a hoof (like when a section breaks out below the nail line), in order to prevent the horse from catching the shoe with the other foot and ripping the shoe off. But I don't have any experience with filling a crack, per se. I'm with the others.... probably best to let your farrier make the call. If you haven't already, I'd recommend you put her on a feed supplement like Farrier's Formula (may be marketed as Horseshoer's Secret). These are good supplements that will enhance fast growth of healthy feet (and mane and tail) Your externally applied products (like Hoof Heal) are good to help the foot retain moisture and regain some flexibility. And the fact the feet are already responding is a good sign. But you have to grow a healthy foot from the inside of the horse; you can't create it from the outside. I notice that her feet are kind of 'pancake' shaped.... sometimes when horses are out on pasture without good consistent foot care, the foot spreads and flatten out in profile. She is going to need some good care, and good nutrition to help get her feet back under her. Good luck... be sure to update and let us know how it is going!!

08-19-2008, 04:50 PM
jtfer1968 Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,001	A friend of mine used hoof alive on her horse's hoof that was cracked similar to your horse's hoof. No epoxy though. The crack has grown out now. Even the farrier was impressed with her results. __________________ Last edited by jtfer1968 : 08-19-2008 at 04:52 PM.

08-20-2008, 09:21 AM
Diamond's Angel Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 22	Talked to farrier. Currently putting the hoof heal on daily until he comes out. This should help with the dryness. He will then look at the crack and let me know the best course of action. So it is a waiting game until next Wed when he comes out. I will post picutres after he leaves.

08-25-2008, 09:58 PM
nrhareiner Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 743	I would not fill the craks with apoxy. I would talk to your farrier and see what he sugests. Personally I would see if he can get you glue on shoes. they are not the best oppion in for many things but they do stay on OK and will eliminate the nail holes in the hoof wall. Also and I have done this with many horses. This time of year it gets so dry that causes a lot of problems. So I have done several differnt thing that do work well. I have let the area around the water tank flod so keep the horses feet wet/damp. I have also used davis Medison boots to put mosturizer on the foot and keep it there for a longer time. Find this works well. Then just time. Keeping from riding too will help if you can as you will be putting less waight on the horses hoofs/feet. Also agood feed through like Bioten dose help over the long haul. No matter what you try hope it works. Heidi __________________ Double Eagle Photography www.doubleeagleph.com Definision of Gun Control: Hiting what you aim at.

08-28-2008, 01:16 PM
Diamond's Angel Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 22	Farrier came out last night. Pulled the shoes and trimmed. He recommened to keep her bare and use tuff stuff on her feet to seal. Cracks are only surface and the foot is actually in good condition. It is just the outer wall. Going to get the stuff and try. He also said she is ok for riding so let the training begin.