As a rule, a healthy horse that has access to plenty of quality grass should demonstrate healthy hoof growth. If the health of the animal or its diet is not optimal then its possible that a strong hoof will not be possible. In truth, other variables such as breed, individual genetics and environmental factors all play a part.
Horse hooves are much like human fingernails: they grow from the cuticle and harden into hooves. If there is a disruption in the cuticle so that tissue can not grow, the nail/hoof will not be produced. If the crack in a hoof is a temporary problem, it should grow out with adequate shoeing. However, if it appears to be permanent/repetitive you need to address the underlying cause. It is possible that a horse with a permanently split hoof has a damaged cuticle - in which case no hoof will ever grow in that area, but it is more likely to be a temporary effect.
Some schools of thought think that wet conditions make a horse more prone to split hooves; others think that dry conditions will make the hoof crack; and others still think that frequent changes from wet to dry will promote hoof cracking. I do know that Appaloosa's are known more than most other breeds for dry hooves - so perhaps this suggests that dry conditions are to blame.
If you are sure that your horse has no underlying health complaints and that his diet is sufficient, the the two most important ways of treating split hooves are shoeing and supplementation - in which case you are doing everything right. It is also sometimes recommended to have the shoes reset once a month. In terms of supplementation, biotin is a widely used supplement for promoting good hoof growth - which is why Horseshoer's Secret will be working well for you. |
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This is the second Appaloosa I have owned and both have suffered from split hooves. Is this trait more common in Appaloosas? I am using Horseshoer's Secret and this product is doing great. Will I need to continue using this for the life of my horse? (kelly testerman - Virginia)
