Hoof treatments...?

Question

My horse doesn't have a problem with his feet, he is 5 years old and healthy. I'm just wondering, is there any type of product out there that I can use to help make sure his feet stay healthy? He sees the farrier regularly and all that sort of stuff. But can anyone reccommend anything?

You know what they say, "No hoof, no horse."

Answer 1

there's this green stuff called FARRIER BARRIER that is a general good hoof application... it helps healthy growth and good moisture and keeps thrush away

Answer 2

The green stuff the farriers use ( i ran out and I can't remember the name of it - I'll just recognise it when I see it in the shop)

and Cornucrescine ( horrible stuff to wash off but it'll do wonders for your fingernails too)

Biotin supplement - actually some feeds have this already added in (eg Bloom ) - so check the ingredients in your feed before buying the supplement - you may already be giving it to him.

Answer 3

I would make sure my horse was getting some form of biotin in his feed (Brewers Yeast is a good natural source of biotin) to keep his hooves healthy along with maintenance checking of the hooves, cleaning them out, farrier etc.

Also, a mixture of 30% comfrey root oil & olive oil is good to brush onto the hooves "to improve quality & growth incl new and old stress rings and for treatment of bone, ligament & tendon injuries."

Here's some info on biotin:

Q: How much biotin does a horse need daily?

A: Horses generally require 1-2 mg of biotin daily. If symptoms such as dull coat or sparse hair growth are present, you can increase the amount up to 8 mg a day. To improve hoof quality, 15 mg daily is generally sufficient.

Q: How can I tell if I'm giving my horse enough biotin?

A: If your horse has a nice shiny coat and healthy hooves, it's likely getting enough biotin. Unfortunately there are no tests available for the discovery of this deficiency. Providing the recommended amount relevant to the problem area should show an improvement in the condition. Otherwise, an increase of biotin is in order. Controlled studies prove that biotin can correct many hoof problems along with improving skin and coat condition.

Q: How long before I should expect to see any improvement?

A: A noticeable improvement in the skin and coat will be apparent in as few as 5 weeks. For improved hoof condition it takes as long as it takes the new hoof to grow out which averages around 3 - 4 months.

Q: Once I see improvement in the hoof, should I stop using a biotin supplement?

A: Since biotin is water soluble, it needs to be present and absorbed throughout the system daily. Discovery of a biotin deficiency, even of a small degree, means that a regimen of supplementation is required. If it's discontinued after a problem area improves, it will likely reoccur.

More answers here: http://www.nickint.com/biotin-faq.shtml

Answer 4

Best thing is just make sure they are clean. Keep then picked and have a farrier see him at leased every few months depending on hoe fast they grow out. If he is healthy just look out for thrush = )

Good luck

Answer 5

There are some good hoof supplements out there that help to keep your horse sound and their hooves in good condition. I'd get some and mix it in with his normal feed, maybe oats and bran? worked for me, and see how he responds. Do it gradually though, but your horse's hooves will definitely thank you :]

xoxo

Answer 6

I suggest Thrust Buster. It works for horses with thrush, and people who want to avoid the problem. It is waterproof, mild, and forms a protective barrier on the hoof.

Answer 7

A hoof supplement that has Biotin and Omega in it.

I personally absolutely LOVE

Omegatin by Kent

Horseshoers Secret is pretty good too

It did wonders for my guys with cracking dry hooves and really pulled my filly through her cracking hooves.

We are on sand here.

Oiling them a few times a week is a big help.

For dry areas muddy up the area around the water tank so they can have a chance to stand in some mud.

Answer 8

ugh, there is this stuff that I used to use on my horse. . .I think it is called Rain Maker or something like that. It has a pic of a horse leg in motion in the rain. It is really good and common. You should be able to find it in any horse and tack shop.

Answer 9

Kevin Bacon's hoof preparation.