Natural hoof healing?

Question

I just got a new horse and took his shoes off last month and has very soft shelly feet. I want them to be stronger and not crack! Does anyone know any NATURAL things that will help? someone suggested using apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, but doesnt really seem to help ..

Answer 1

Nothing is going to fix those hooves quickly.  Time to adapt is really all that will naturally fix those feet.  You can try venice turpentine on the soles and lower hoof wall, or you can rub Reducine into the cornet band of the hooves.  Reducine will increase blood flow and encourage the hoovs to grow faster. Beware that reducine can blister if applied wrong, so be very careful.  There is also a product called Keratex that hardens hooves but is not close to natural.

Answer 2

It is normal or the feet to be damaged and in poor condition when you pull shoes.  Hopefully, you got a correct barefoot trim  and you need to keep that consistent for him.  Again, hopefully, your farrier is not cutting out his sole at all.  With his feet in the condition you describe, his sole should not be touched with a knife at all.  There is not any type of topical you can put on his feet to help.  It just takes time and patience and good hoof care.  ACV and water is a treatment for thrush.  It will not improve the strength of the hoof or sole.  I would not advise the application of commercial products like iodine, durasole, and certainly not formaldehyde.  These are very harmful.  Be patient and allow the nail holes and over stressed distal part of the hooves to grow off.  If he is sound to ride, ride him.  Riding will stimulate his feet to grow and improve strength much more quickly.  If he is too tenderfooted barefoot at the moment, you can use Easyboot Epic boots with a gator to help him until his feet improve.  Be patient. In due time, his feet will be strong and he will be so much better without shoes.  My horses have been barefoot for almost 10 years, WB, TB and QH and they all have rock crushing feet.  Best of luck to you.  Don't give up.

Answer 3

Healthy feet has a lot to do with proper trimming.  Most horses that wear shoes do not have healthy feet.  Unless you are fighting thrush or some other hoof ailment, consistant proper trimming will product a healthy hoof.  The hoof is a very impressive and complex part of the horse and it does take maintenance to keep healthy.  One of the biggest factors is adequate movement.  If a horse is in a stall or small corral the lack of exercise can contribute to poor hoof health.  My horses wander a 5 acre area with fences and paths to encourage them to move from one area to the other while grazing.  I have been keeping my horses bare foot and riding in rocky terrain for 5 years.  On occasion I will use hoof boots if my horses seem a little foot sore.

Answer 4

just keep um dry ta harden and wet ta soften   Dave

Answer 5

Try dressing them with pine tar.  The condition of his feet may be the result of his previous home environment.  Wet fields, stalls, or frequent bathing can cause soft hooves.  Give it some time and keep his feet dry and clean.  You can also dress with natural oils such as fish oil.  Once the hooves are in good shape you will not need to dress them very often.  If all else fails, try a hoof sealer.  A horse with genetically soft hooves my need seal after the farrier visits.

Answer 6

i don't know of anything natural, but tough stuff works good although its not natural. why must it be natural?

Answer 7

The best thing is a knowledgable farrier to trim for prevention of chipping, etc.  Adding flaxsed or linseed to the diet also helps strengthen hooves.  Horseshine by Enreco is the best I've found.  No hoof dressing will do you any good...some use a dressing on the coronet band to help it seal in moisture, but it may or may not actually have any effect.

Answer 8

Cracks happen because of one of three reasons - too dry environment (soaking the hoof in water might help a little), environment might be too moist, or uneven trimming.

My only advise, is to get him out, unless he is sore / off. Working increases the heart rate, which increases the blood flow to the hoof, which increases its growth rate. Despite what most people think - all horses have the SAME structures and materials that make up the hoof. No hoof can magically be "stronger" than the other - given the same care / trimmings.

One more question.. why'd you take off his shoes? Not planning on working him a lot?

Answer 9

My farrier always suggests Pine Tar.  Just paint it on the bottom of the hoof.

I use Old Mac's Hoof Boots on my barefoot horses when he get a little ouchy.  You can't leave them on 24/7 but you can turn the horse out in them for up to 16 hours.  I ride my barefoot horse in them too.  He moves much more confidently when he is wearing them compared to when he is not wearing them.

Answer 10

I don't know if you consider iodine natural, but it works great for hardening soft feet.

Answer 11

Go to the store and purchase Knox gelatin. Feed one small packet a day. I promise after 1 month your horses hooves will grow faster and stronger!!!  I have been feeding my horses Knox, not only have their hooves grown stronger but their coats are shinny too!!!

Answer 12

What you could do is get those horse boots (equi boots) for the moment for when he is foot sore. He will be un-used to being without shoes and it will take him a while to adjust.

Keep him on soft ground for the moment and slowly introduce his feet to harder ground. You could also get some hoof hardener which will help. Good Luck