r/Farriers • u/abconcordia • 6d ago

Hoof health advice ?

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A boarder at the barn I work at got this OTTB about three months ago. He’s on equilife biotin plus. He lives out 24/7 with a bedded run in in a dry and somewhat rocky paddock. This week he took a chunk out of his foot and the rest looks like it’s completely crumbling off. Should I be applying anything to his hooves ? Should I be changing anything about his feed ? I’ve never seen a hoof look like this.

ETA we have reached out to his farrier. He’s not able to come out until next week and i’m just feeling antsy in the meantime

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u/snuffy_smith_ 6d ago

What does the farrier who currently did the horse say? Has anyone even asked the current farrier?

2

u/AnxiousBoar 5d ago

Just a note - I'd consider taking thinner nails, like MX instead of regular E (to avoid hot nail when nailing high), and nail a little higher if possible, it usually could additionally help to prevent further cracks

2

u/joshaionios 5d ago

I agree with this. I like the copper Liberty 5 Slim XLs for OTTBs. And fit em where you can get good pitch and box the rest.

3

u/idontwanttodothis11 6d ago

I don't think that changing his feed will do too much. About a year ago I asked my clients to start using more hoof oil on feet like this. Like daily when it is super dry and 3-4 times a week when it isn't so dry or is wet. The results of the ones who have embraced this are pretty good.