Posted by Steve on June 16, 2004 at 19:20:53:
In Reply to: Re: Crack in Draft Horse Hooves posted by K Bar R farrier Service on March 05, 2003 at 22:05:34:
: : We have a new member to our little herd (just since the end of December), a six year old Percheron Mare. She had a foal last year with her previous owners and we plan on raising another foal this year. Her front feed have vertical cracks that do not appear to bother her - but seem to me to be 2 plus inches long, extending from the bottom to half way up the hoof - smack dab in the middle of each front hoof. It is suggested to us that this (cracks in hooves) are somewhat normal for draft breeds. I am not sure I am agreeing with that notion.....
: : We had our farrier give her a trim the week she arrived in December and the cracks do not appear any less - or worse. But we worry since we are not seeing any improvement. Our farrier does not have extensive draft horse clients, but will work with us on this issue. We have other horses that are gaited and he has listened and added to suggestions and changes to how we shoe the gaited horses and is willing to consider some options other than just trimming.
: : Any ideas on the nutrition for this horse, shoeing, or if we do regular trims would be appreciated.
: : She is not a big Percheron - about 16.1 and the vet estimates about 1400 lbs. She is current on all vaccinations and wormings and we feed fairly well - coastal hay and pasture (it is thin and winter grass in West Texas right now)are freely available. We also have mineral and salt blocks free of choice. We feed a 3 inch flake of alfalfa daily.
: : We have not worked her yet in harness, but her ground manners are excellent and I have just started lunging her. The surface we work on is packed dirt in the round pen. I can turn the earth for the round pen if the surface might need more give.
: : I am new to working with a draft horse and do not know what to expect when I start working her this spring. I can send a digital photo of the hooves if that would help.
: : Is the fact she has raised a foal a factor in her feet? The prior owners did not keep her shod and it may just be she needs some consistent trimming.....but maybe I am just being hopeful.
: Has your farrier X'd the top of the cracks? Sometimes this is a simple solution, but cracks are not "normal" in Drafts or mares with foals, they sometimes happen. In all breeds and sexes. Her feed seems good, and I wouldn't change the footing. Just check about the X's. Good Luck.
: In any large horse breed I have ever worked on I would occasionally run into a horse with cracks in the feet. A good consistent trimming was usually all that was needed. Six months ago I was called by a customer that had bought a Shire from Canada. She asked me to come look at the feet. Her feet were full of cracks and winged terribly. I took care of the wings and consistent trimmings, while the horse owner took care of the cracks, by using Keratex. The mare's feet are as of two weeks ago, back to normal with only one hair line surface crack on one foot that will most likely be trimmed off by the time her next appt., is due.