Question

My friend owns an Appaloosa-cross gelding with poor-quality hooves. He is getting normal feed, along with all-day turnout for grazing or hay, depending on the season. He is prone to hoof cracks, abscesses, and thrush. We treat the issues as they occur, but I'd prefer to just prevent the problems altogether. I was wondering if there were any supplements that could be given to him to help with these issues? Also, his outer hoof walls are so thin and crack so easily that the farrier doesn't want to shoe him, and this is problematic because he is a trail horse. Any help is appreciated.

Answer

Horses with less than ideal hoof composition often benefit from supplementation. Specifically, supplementation with biotin, iodine, methionine, and chelated zinc has been shown to improve hoof growth and ensure the development of a strong hoof wall.

Bio-Bloom PS would be ideal in this situation. Although influenced by many factors (age, breed, exercise, moisture, illness, etc.), hoof growth is relatively slow, and it will take time for the undesirable thin hoof walls to grow out. Sometimes it takes as much as a year for an entire new hoof to grow once supplementation has begun, so patience is paramount.

To protect your horse until he has a stronger hoof wall, you might consider fitting him with hoof boots designed for trail use. There are several models available for purchase.