Riding solution for tenderfoot horse

[warpedgrrl]

I have a 16 year old arabian who has been barefoot for 6 years and has subsequently always been a bit tender on gravel or hard-packed ground, regardless of how recent his trim was. One of my professors at UGA College of Veterinary Medicine suggested I try Keratex to toughen his soles and frog, and also suggested some sort of plastic "shoe" that clips on and can be removed when I'm done riding. It didn't sound like he was describing an easy or boa boot, and I didn't get the manufacturer's name. Does anyone know what he might be talking about?

[Mike Ferrara]

What does your farrier say about the horse being tender for 6 years?

[warpedgrrl]

most of the farriers I have dealt with over the years have said it is to be expected that a barefoot horse would be tender on gravel. The latest one suggested Keratex the last time he was trimmed, and also that I keep on top of the thrush situation that comes and goes ever since i moved to georgia. I have treated with kopertox in the past and gentian violet solution more recently, both of which clear it up for a while and then it comes back (he is strictly pasture boarded in a big grassy, fairly well-drained enclosure, so why he has thrush problems is beyond me).

[cynthia-jay]

WE have barefoot horses that ride over gravel ad hard ground
rocks are something to consider and even a shod horse may have some tenderness over them
It sound like you have what is considered "wet feet" from the climate and enviroment
You can try the keratox hoof hardner or shoes with pads may be benificial
Did you discuss this with your Farrier?
as ever
Jay

[warpedgrrl]

I'm trying to avoid the whole shoeing issue right now. He toes out quite a bit so he tends to wing in with shoes and lacerate his own cannon bones. He also tracks up too much in the back and will step on his own shoes. I don't understand how his feet are wet because he is in a fairly dry grassy pasture with the exception of some mud by the gate after it rains, which he stays out of. He was in far muddier pastures in NC and never had the problem. I think it is the climate here in GA, or the bacterial flora in the soil, or something.

[caballus]

Hi there ... Do you have photos you could post? It would be helpful to see the form of the trim on this horse. Thanks!

--caballus

[cynthia-jay]

Caballus has a point
you may want to be sure this horse has a balanced trim and leave a bit more sole than what is being pared out which would result in tenderfootedness barefoot
as ever
Jay