Thin walls, dropped soles, small foot, club foot AND
poor circulation with contracted heels and brittle chipping feet!!! Yikes…a farriers nightmare! Rest of the scoop. AQHA 10yo, we have owned for 3 yrs. Heavier halter horse build, not at all petite, but not overweight. TINY feet come a long with this halter body. So tiny, his front shoes which are aluminum are 00 and then they are shortened a bit because they’re a too long. Size 5 slim nail. They seem more oval (think someone said mule shaped) than round. In past 3 yrs had him on Farriers formula yr 1, Glanzen yr 2, nothing year 3. Both fronts have dropped soles, contracted heals. Shod every 6 wks or hoof starts crumbling. 2 vets have said this horse can never go with out shoes. I tried equicast on his feet. he was in such pain he set back like he was going to sit down. Have had him on Isox, aspirin and small amount of bute, and wide rimmed aluminum to decrease sting. All this has worked. With out fail, no matter what supplement I have given by this time each year after winter feet are more brittle than usual and losing hoof by shoe removal or nailing. Farrier using glue to help and he would like to try glue on shoes. This is new territory for both of us. I have read glue ons take off lots of hoof but farrier would like to see if we can encourage growth…It’s a great idea but I am also afraid of trying something new because despite all that’s wrong he rides nicely and I fear causing lameness. Also, heard that glue ons expensive. So, can you guys help me with a plan of action…Told Farrier I would put back on supplement Glanzen for hoof growth, would you try glue ons? Live in Calif…is there a good time of year to try this? Any brand shoe or glue? Also, tried Keratex hardener over last 6 wks haven’t noticed anything, vet says use pine tar. Thanks in advance!
