Healthy hooves are essential for getting maximum performance from horses, but hoof cracks are not uncommon in equine as they can still grow without creating any trouble. Some cracks are dangerous for equine health, especially when they reach the sensitive tissues protected by the hoof. Bleeding and infection can occur in these cases, and it takes much time to recover.
Hooves play a vital role in the comfortable movement of horses. So cracks in them can impair their ability to run and walk and cause dangerous infections. There are many signs and causes of cracks in hooves. So if you own a horse, you must be familiar with them to take proactive steps to ensure the health of hooves.
Types of Hoof Cracks: The hoof wall of the feet of equine splits and cracks can range from a single crack to a deep, wide split that can cause painful situations. There are different types of hoof cracks explained below.
Quarter Cracks:
It is a painful condition for horses at the side of the hoof wall experienced at the line between the skin and the hoof. Improper trimming and overexertion are the main reasons behind quarter cracks, also known as vertical cracks.
Grass Cracks:
Grass cracks start from the ground and move upward in the horse’s hoof, causing discomfort in the whole body. Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and the unfavorable surface of the ground are causes of grass cracks.
Toe Cracks:
Due to a lack of moisturizer in horses’ hoofs, this type of crack occurs, and the hoof wall becomes brittle and dry. It would be best if you treated it immediately. Otherwise, it can cause lameness in horses if left untreated.
Bar Cracks:
Bar cracks occur in the inward folds of the hoof wall and appear as bars so that they can be the reason for trauma to the foot, and the situation becomes more painful for horses.
Sand Cracks:
Sand cracks start from the coronary band and move downward, also considered a hoof wall fracture. Work surface, shoe type, and nature of exercise are the major contributory factors of sand cracks.
Fix Cracked Hooves Horses using Treatments:
You can go for the following treatments for fixing cracked hooves of horses.
Saturate the horse’s hoof in warm water for up to 10 minutes, as it will soften the hoof and be easy to work with them. Hoof packing material is another best way to fix cracked hooves, so antibiotic ointment, tar, or petroleum material will be a better choice. If you find any loose or cracked pieces in the hoof of the equine, then trim them with the help of a knife, as it will stop further damage to the hoof.
How to Repair Cracked Hooves Faster Using Supplements and Diet?
Cracked hooves are a common problem in many horses that can also lead to severe consequences. By bringing some changes in the lifestyle and diet of equine, you can overcome this situation easily.
1. Provide a Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet is essential for the overall well-being of horses, but if your equine is facing the problem of cracked hooves, then the role of diet is more important. Feeding your horse with high-quality grains, forage, and hay would be best because it will help in the fastest recovery. Providing essential fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 will be an excellent choice for equine. Besides, various fresh vegetables and fruits are also part of a balanced diet.
2. Natural Supplements:
Natural supplements are helpful in recovery from cracked hooves because they contain calcium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that can support the health of the hoof wall and reduce the risk of further cracking. Selection of a natural supplement is challenging. So here we will recommend the best supplements for the faster recovery of cracked hooves.
3. Equinety Horse XL:
Equniety Horse XL is a natural product that can help repair cracked hooves of your equine faster because it supports the necessary vitamins and minerals to grow new and healthy hoof tissues. This product also contains amino acids that are building blocks for new hoof growth. So after regular use, the frequency and severity of cracked hooves will reduce significantly. You can also add it conveniently to the horse’s diet, and you will be surprised by the magical results of this natural supplement.
4. Equinety Ultimate OEC:
Equinety Ultimate OEC is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial product that replenishes cracked hooves with its natural formula. It contains colloidal silver, natural vitamin E, and flaxseed-based omega-3 oil that not only supports cracked hooves but is also beneficial for joint health, healthier skin, and coats. It will increase the immune function of your equine much needed for the fastest recovery of cracked hooves. Colloidal silver added to this product can fight infections that can lead to serious hoof issues if not treated.
How to Treat Broken Horse Hooves?
In case of broken horse hooves, we strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian and not trying to treat the injury yourself. The vet will analyze the overall condition of the hoof and identify the fastest solution for it. Provide a peaceful environment for your equine where it can take maximum rest and stabilize the hoof by wrapping it in a vet wrap, as it will provide comfort to the broken hoof.
Go for a moderate level of exercise by ensuring that the horse is not putting too much pressure on the injured hoof as it can severe the condition. Take special care about a balanced diet for your equine as it will help you recover fastest. The inclusion of natural supplements in the regular diet of your horse will also be the best remedy for the treatment of broken hooves. A combination of Equinety Ultimate OEC and Equinety Horse XL will provide all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and flaxseed-based omega 3 to the horse, which is essential in recovery.
How serious is a cracked hoof on a horse?
Depending upon the size and location of the crack seriousness of the cracked hoof varies greatly, so in some cases, a crack can be minor that cause no real problems to the horses. In other conditions, a crack can be severe and cause serious consequences. It is better to have the hoof examination by a veterinarian so that the equine gets the best treatment. Serious cracks require more intensive treatments that are only possible under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian.
Can you ride a horse with a cracked hoof?
No, riding a horse with a cracked hoof is not recommended because it can be a more painful situation for the equine and can cause further damage to the hooves. Before riding a horse, always ensure it is adequately shoed and the hoof is healthy, so in case of a cracked hoof, seek the vet’s advice before riding.
Check out Equinety on Equivont
