Posted by Steph on June 16, 2003 at 09:39:54:
My horse is well fed (ad lib hay plus alfalfa, beet and a supplement containing seaweed, linseed and brewer's yeast), has great hoof balance and is shod all round. The only unusual thing about his feet is that he is slightly toe in (from the shoulder) and has side clips so as not to exaggerate the assymmetry.
He has over the past 3 months or so developed hairline cracks at the front of his forefeet. They are both very narrow but did not start at the sole - they started in the middle of the hoof and have extended up and down, very slowly, and have now fractionally widened. I use Keratex products, hardener and gel as appropriate.
I pretty much totally trust my farrier who has so far said not to worry . He is coming to shoe him on a five week rotation on Friday and I want to be sure everything is ok. Please advise - thanks.