Posted by Scott Chaney on January 30, 2003 at 12:42:21:
In Reply to: Farriers Formula posted by Jill on January 28, 2003 at 14:16:50:
Hey Jill-
While Farrier's Formula is a great product and I highly recommend it's use, like any other tool, it may work better on one horse over another. And in varying degrees.
You just about have to go on an individual's evaluation to see how much it is effecting the growth and quality of horn.
This will also vary in regards to the different seasons, training/workload, weather, stable conditions and overall health of the nhorse.
If you are wanting to try your horse without it, I would make some sort of record (photograph) of the hoof prior to taking the animal off the supplement.
Within a couple of months, if there is going to be a drastic change in the quality, you will begin to see deviations in the wall. These may take the forms of narrow growth rings, or the wall may appear slightly constricted (for lack of a better word). At any rate, you will see a marked difference at a point on the hoof wall. Take into consideration the hoof grows 3/8 to 1/2 inch per month, mark the date on youe calendar that you removed the supplement from your horse's diet and just keep a close watch on things.
Your farrier can be a good second set of eyes since he/she doesn't see the horse on a daily basis. Alert them to your plan and the chips will fall where they may.
Sometimes the difference is so gradual due to the supplement levels slow decrease in the body, other times, it is readily evident.
A good eye and some common sense are always welcome allies.
Hope that helps,
Scott