Posted by Gary on May 31, 2003 at 16:51:10:
In Reply to: Belgians with vertical cracking hooves and chipping posted by Brenda B. Singletary on May 31, 2003 at 12:24:07:
: I have two very large belgians. One of the draft's hooves are really cracking and chipping off around the hoof. He is on a supplement for his feet. Also I have been putting a hoof lubricant on his feet. I was told by someone to stop the lubricant. I know from experience that putting shoes on this horse breaks down the wall of his hooves and he will loose a shoe before time to be shod again. Very hard to keep shoes on him. So now I am allowing him to go natural. He has no trouble walking withot shoes. His feet look terrible and they are trimmed every six weeks. He has cracks going up and down his hooves. Is there anyone that could enlighten me on maybe what to do for his hooves? Thank you
If the hoofs are not dressed properly during the trim and not balanced then you are going to have cracks until you address than problem. Does your farrier take the feet forward and dress the flares? If not, then that will be alot of the chipping problem. And if they are not balanced then they can't handle the load they are supposed too. Good Luck! Gary