Posted by John Barney on May 02, 2003 at 10:46:30:
In Reply to: Re: Getting rid of small cracks on a horse that can't be shod posted by Derin Foor on May 01, 2003 at 23:07:43:
: : I've had my horse for 16 years and I've never had shoes on him (even when we used to event) because his hooves have always been very healthy, they grow very fast and are huge for his body size. Now one of his front hooves has a fine crack that goes almost half way up the hoof. My farrier and I have been discussing shoeing him but he lives in a pasture with another unshod horse and they play very rough.
: : He gets a high quality hay and grain with enough protein and is trimmed every 6-8 weeks. The crack started this winter (which has been much drier than usual and since my pasture is mostly clay its been hard as cement). We've gotten the crack almost completely trimmed out several times and then I'll catch my two fools tearing around the pasture and sure enough that tiny fine crack will be further up the hoof.
: : After reading though the posts here I see that many of you recommend Keratex. I was hoping to get any other suggestions. If I have to shoe him I will, but I worry about the safety of my other horse.
: : Thanks a lot
: Have you tried the Keratex??.......if not, you should, it's good stuff
: if that doesnt work, perhaps a simple Equithane patch will do the trick....otherwise I would opt for shoes
: Derin
Is this crack superficial or all the way through the horn tissue? I see alot of fine cracks here in Missouri when it is dry. I usually rasp a check groove at the top of the crack and recommend hoof dressing for moisture. I like Valentines. This is the same thing I do with my wife's TB and he has done fine. If the crack is into the laminae I agree with Derin to patch or shoe. The main thing is the severity of the crack. Hope this helps
JB