Hoof Supplement?

[Tisbouncy]

I am hoping one of you wonderful WEF members advise me on what to do and also reccommend a good (but not overly expensive) hoof supplement for my two horses. 
One of my horses is a Mustang Halflinger cross...his hooves are more the draft size and tend to chip and split.  My other boy is an Appendix/Arab cross...his hooves tend to do the same thing.  Also, the first horse's frogs seem to be soft and almost chalk-like when I clean them...but they do not have that thrushie smell.  I am very concerned about his frogs at the moment as all four are like that.  Any and all help/advise, greatly appreciated.  Oh, forgot to mention, both horses are barefoot and well trimmed.

[parkerfarrier service]

This is a great question because I always hear such a varied response from clients and horse owners as to what works for them. Hopefully others will chime in for discussion.

I have worked with hooves like this and you right, sometimes the Drafty hooves tend to chip and split. In some cases, it might be a dermititis type problem like Coronitis, vitamin imbalance, genetics, or more just plain and simple, environment induced. The best nutritional supplement I can recommend is Smart Pak's Smart Hoof Ultra. This is a phenomenal supplement and the people at Smart Pak will send you free samples to make sure it is palatable and your horse will enjoy it. Just ask them. Also, try to avoid over-dressing the foot. This can seemingly cause dryness/irritation with product over-use. If the hooves are really chipping up and susceptible to damage, first have your farrier inspect and debride any possible pockets of bacteria and definitely get some Keratex Hoof Hardener. It's Horse Journal's Product of the year. lol. This is formalin-keratin based treatment that you use for a period of 2-3 weeks and it will cross link to the hoofwall to protect it.

For the sole and frog, I generally recommend routine picking out the soles and gently wire brushing them, then applying Durasole. This is a sole-formulated product that is antibacterial and forms cross-links to the sole. It is a sure thing, but requires applications and cleaning of the hoof and sole to penetrate. If this is unavailable, painting on some Venetian Turpentine every few days is a great method, though messy. If you don't have the time for this, ask your Farrier about a pour-in pad like medicated Equipak CS. Thiis will typically protect the soles for weeks and eliminate the need to pick out the hooves daily. Also offers support and protection against hard gravel, rocks, and debris. Best of luck. Keep us updated on the progress.

[parkerfarrier service]

Also, The other supplement that is a great one is Farrier's Formula, Double Strength, but it might be a bit more expensive so you could start with Smart Hoof and see how that goes. Really, Farrier Formula and Smart Hoof are the better ones on the market.

Also, at first glance, Keratex Hoof Hardener seems expensive, but it's priced well at AnvilBrand.com and get a wire brush, some Venice Turps.

[dogbluehorse]

I used to use Farrier's Formula (which is expensive and hard to find), but then my farrier recommended Grand Hoof, which is easily available and less expensive, and my horses feet all improved (TBs and one WB). So personally am quite happy with that. You can get it from SmartPak, KV Vet, Dover, and various other places.

[Tisbouncy]

Thank you so much!  Will start my homework now and research the products reccommended.

[LEOArabs]

I have an Arab with feet that tend to chip and throw shoes... I have been using Calxequin.  It is from the same people that make the Cosequin joint products.  I purchase it at Grand Prix Feed, and a 30 day supply is about $40.  It does come as a pellet.  I also use E3 Hoof oil to moisturize the hooves and to supply some protection from the dry sand paddocks and this dry weather.  The E3 contains avocado oil, sunflower oil, hemp oil, wheat germ oil and a couple of other oils as well as the hydrolyzed keratin... they also make a thrush product that I haven't had to use,but a friend did with spectacular results.  Her horse has had chronic thrush for almost a year- within two weeks it was gone.  And it's clear, so no more smurf fingers!

I also like that the E3 product line is produced locally in Jupiter, FL.  I like keeping my money in the local economy- then we all win.