When to trim? I have been able to get a very thick sole to accumulate using Epona synthetic shoes, but it sheds back to “normal” once the horse is left barefoot. Keratex Hoof Hardener will strengthen and protect shod and unshod hooves, to restore soundness after sensitive soles and to prevent existing cracks from laddering up or across the hooves. This is a huge mare! It is extremely common for sore soles to be the first and only sign of cushings and your mare is a prime age to have started it. My Marcel, a never shod Arab, has TB type feet, a thinner sole that often needs more protection. According to several vet friends, most “normal” horses have thin soles… 10mm is supposed to be average, but  6-8mm may be more “normal”. and use something like Keratex … Trusted the owner but… gut feeling…. the wall was smashed flat at the base, and the sole was thin and flat. Rehabbing A Thin Sole? Remember, though, the problem can't be truly ?fixed? Wall attachment is better when feet are comfortable. Recommended by Vets for thin soled or bruised feet! I only worry when the horse is uncomfortable in its living environment. Here’s my checklist: Again, what is normal for one breed or individual, like a typical Gaited horse or Morgan, would be very thick for a TB or some lines of QH. The other end modifies the keratin … So much about thin soles is the trim, providing adequate sole protection while sole develops and getting the nutrition right…. Do not apply more than the sole … She has very thin walls and soles and I do think that she is less ouchy barefoot than before I started using Keratex products. But now does distance horse travel trips in boots (Scoots!) The prior trimmer was trimming her extremely short, and I expected her to have nice feet in 6 weeks, so I was puzzled. KERATEX HOOF HARDENER strengthens the molecular structure of the hoof horn and soles by cross-linking keratin. It works by cross-linking the keratins and proteins within the internal structures of the … Don't get it on the frogs or anywhere near live tissue … Hoof Gel can be applied all over the hoof capsule including frogs, soles … The combination of caustic agents that your vet is suggesting is an old horse-shoers’ trick to harden soles… Let the sole grow and you can lower the heel later. I see this on most horses…  the feet almost always get better when alfalfa is removed. I will definitely keep Cushings in mind and realise it would be good to find a specific cause, but she did see a good vet on Wednesday and isn't showing other signs at present. Keratex Hoof Hardener will strengthen and protect shod and unshod hooves, to restore soundness after sensitive soles and to prevent existing cracks from laddering up or across the hooves. Keratex Hoof Hardener is used to strengthen and protect both shod and unshod hooves in horses, cattle, sheep and goats. "It is usually the case that a concave foot with a thin sole will soon become a flat-soled foot as the structure of the … In Tim’s case, we changed his diet and used glue-on boots for 6 months to protect his soles, and when they came off I used the Hoof Armor. I was wondering if mild solar inflammation was causing the wall separation. Keratex Hoof Hardener formula is patented and includes a unique flexibility agent as well as a hardening agent, making this the perfect product to protect your horse from: brittle, cracked, soft or weak hooves; soft, sensitive or thin soles; repeated shoe loss; transition to barefoot; hoof damage. It's ideal for thin-soled horses or those who are prone to bruising or who are sensitive after trimming. Maybe! Temporarily letting the heel get a bit taller helps relieve sole abrasion. My friend Asa, in Las Vegas, hates thick sole because in her arid region, it needs to me trimmed out. If a horse has worn his sole thin because his walls have been trimmed or worn short, like most of the thin soled horses I see,  or if the sole has been thinned in the trimming process, you can almost always get more sole to accumulate by tweaking the trim, diet and protection. Just a suggestion - and do with it what you will, but there is a FB group called "Barefoot Horse Owners UK Group" (or something very similar wording). She’s a big mare – maybe they felt sorry for her!! Keratex Hoof … One end of the molecule of this agent co-ordinates onto a nitrogen atom in the keratin molecule. Can be used for extended periods of time on chronically JavaScript is disabled. Try hoof armour, I'm sure that would help. Keratex Hoof Hardener is a gentle acting formulation which forms additional intermolecular bonds between molecules of keratin through … I soon realized that it was the sole that really needed protection and Hoof Armor became hoof sole … Both Keratex Hoof Hardener and Crossapol hardened hooves, but on examination of hoof trimmings, the Keratex seemed to penetrate deeper with a gradual transition between the extremely … Too short a wall trim eliminates traction so the sole is subject to more abrasion. It strengthens weak, cracked hooves by improving the molecular structure of the hoof wall and soles. Apply to the hoof wall using a hoof brush. Feed straight grass hay (take away alfalfa and oat), boot 24×7 or glue on synthetic shoes or boot shells, add boots for all exercise if left barefoot, change the environment to be non abrasive ; add soft dirt, saw dust, move to a soft pasture, change the trim technique to NOT trim sole and to let the walls get to be 1/8 to 1/4″ beyond the sole. Its anecdotal. Because of its unique formulation, Durasole can be used for extended periods of time on chronically thin-soled horses without fear of drying out the foot as it does not compromise the moisture balance of the foot when used as directed. If the horse is just a tad 'tender' on hard ground from soft/bit thin soles, then Keratex can harden the sole & cause them to feel it less. Keratex Hoof Hardener also contains an inorganic complexing agent. Use a hair dryer, heat gun, or similar tool to completely dry the frog and sole, apply Durasole while the solar surface is still warm and disperse with a brush (old toothbrush) until the sole … When to leave it alone? And you will notice, over time the frog literally atrophies to a thin strip when it’s been cut away routinely. Mare is now on a hoof supplement prescribed by vet and has fronts on after farrier assessment - she is retired and has been barefoot for years but has thin soles … if the horse isn?t being trimmed … I also use hoof amour you can apply one coat then add a second 24 hours later for added cover. Keratex … Best goals are to try to get the horse optimally comfortable, keep the sole from wearing too fast…. Or perhaps had success with something else? She has a range of surfaces they need to cross to get their food including herb buckets they chooses from. With myProto, it is really quick to get a competitive quote and to have your prototype circuits built. on her to get her wall to grow out a bit and decided to hold off, decided to try deep saw dust in the paddock and boots for all exercise. So 4 weeks ago, the owner discovered that the feeders had been feeding her alfalfa as a treat! Keratex Hoof Gel is a highly waterproof but breathable application for hooves that soften, crumble and break up in wet weather or humid conditions. If the farrier's got a problem with boots, that's her … A thick, strong sole on a horse’s foot lays the foundation for soundness. You will … Her walls did get a bit TOO hard and brittle. Everything else in the diet was perfect,but the mare had persistent stretched white line and I felt she was getting alfalfa! Alfalfa often results in a more brittle wall and poor wall attachment. The snow seemed to make his feet more comfortable, as well as cushion him as his feet got used to being bare again (he was barefoot for a few years before I started riding him but he has very thin soles). Apparently, it just gives up trying to bounce back to a nice wide healthy frog. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! With no surface coating residue, the foot is still able to ‘breathe’. A friend rehabs horses written off with thin soles etc. So last trim, we were talking about putting on glue-ons (size 5!!) Durasole™ Key Benefits: thickens and hardens the sole and frog anti-bacterial anti-fungal fixing agent Durasole Instructions For Use Apply dropwise to dry sole and frog and spread with a small brush. So sometimes it can happen but it really depends on the individual case. You must log in or register to reply here. Would be interesting to know if anyone has used it! Mine has never been shod so I didn’t want to go down that route for short term gain. Start just below the coronary band and work downwards. Many horses grow a soft wall on oat or grain hay. Sole health is one of the reasons I like hoof boots so much. - Keratex Hoof Gel effectively manages moisture. The advantages would be lighter, more flexible and nothing to fall off. When you start discussing thin soles, you need to remember that sole thickness varies widely based on age, breed, hoof care history, diet – everything is relative! Start with a clean, dry hoof. He was on a super abrasive surface, so his feet wore down fast and we’d put him back in glue-ons after 5 to 8 weeks. Should also be applied to the sole of the hoof to prevent bruising. And if that didn’t work, try boots and pads 24×7 to see if it changed anything. Keratex Hoof Moisturiser is an ideal product for any horse with brittle, dry, dehydrated hooves. Sole... "False" sole, shedding sole, retained sole. Its anecdotal, but its something you can try. Slopping along on a loose rein somewhere in Devon, https://www.triequestrian.ie/hawthorne-s-venice-turpentine.html. Just an update on here to say thanks to those of you who suggested I have my mare testing for Cushing's as she does indeed have a mild case. Directions for Keratex Hoof Gel: SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE. I don’t know why! If a horse has a sole that isn’t worn or trimmed to be thin,  and you leave a more stout wall &/or protect the sole from wear, then feed a better diet (see www.drkellon.com ! ) The scope of this practice covers a large area of … I wouldn't advise either, or Keratex or the likes actually. I was skeptical about how much the small amount of alfalfa in the Elk Grove Stable Mix could affect the feet, but have one client who exchanged Elk Grove for straight grass hay pellets and the difference in the amount of wall separation by the next trim was significant. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Thanks for your thoughts. If your horse has tender or thin soles, and/or cracking, soft, chipping and splitting hoof horn, consider using Keratex Hoof Hardener instead. Once the walls are solid and sole has developed, feet usually stay nice unless the environment is extremely abrasive. It works by cross-linking the keratins and proteins within the internal structures of the … For complete protection, apply to the sole … I trimmed a horse yesterday (large WB type, 1200 lbs) that I have been trimming for 5 months. if your horse has thin soles … I used Hoof Armor and glue-on Glove shells on Diana Thompsons Timothy, a 29 to 32YO TB with historically thin soles, typically 6mm, and the result was that after 3 years barefoot, he had 12 to 14mm of sole depth. She stopped that, and this trim, she had ¼” of straight wall, no flair, and GREAT soles!!! When to leave it alone? If he’d been on a normal footing they might have stayed good longer… I don’t know. Hoof Armor was first designed simply as a horseshoe alternative that would protect the bottom of the hoof wall from wear…like a horseshoe. Durasole creates a tough, natural, pad between your horse's sensitive sole … my farrier recommended Venice turpentine? Boysie, our 15hh Morgan, came with wafer thin soles. ARIES – DEMONSTRATING A GRINDER “TRIM-FROM-THE-TOP”. Normal for most horses is quite thin relative to a mustang on soft range! & natural to suit ground & has good soles. Amazing success! Has anybody used Keratex spray to harden soles please? Durasole is effective in the control of thrush and white line disease when aerobic conditions are established and maintained at the infection site. I’m impatient. Cavalor SoleMate takes the lead in providing the perfect care for hoof and sole … If you need a hardener for soft, thin soles, try Keratex Hoof Hardener or Best Buy Cavalor Dry Feet. Sole… “False” sole, shedding sole, retained sole. Whatever the cause of the thin soles, it is critical that you protect the thin-soled horse from bruising and excess abrasion during work, exercise and from hard or rocky terrain. In a case where the sole is already a a relatively healthy depth, and the wall height is good, you may not be able to get much improvement. Articles on Finding the right help for your horses hoofs, Articles on Hoof care, Horse Health, Horse Care, Trimming,and Boots and Protection, hoof protection is an easily applied adhesive coating that Farriers and horse owners alike can utilize to protect their barefoot horse’s hooves against abrasion and wear.”. The vet never suggested it (and the farrier also said he wouldn't test as unlikely to be that) but thanks to the replies on here and some other opinions, we got the test done. and use something like Keratex or Hoof Armor, you may be able to add 1 to 4 mm. I also used Farriers Formula which seemed to thicken then up. Or perhaps had success with something else? Mare is now on a hoof supplement prescribed by vet and has fronts on after farrier assessment - she is retired and has been barefoot for years but has thin soles which bruise easily and has recently became very footsore. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. She now has very sore feet. They allow barefoot turnout to optimize stimulation, growth and callusing of the sole… For maximum effectiveness, sole and frog must be clean and dry before product is applied. You provide the circuit data and the component list and we'll make them in record time. your mare is retired so I presume an older horse, she has been barefoot for years but presumably not footsore for years or you would have done something. I recommend their products, especially for the soles … Some products can even ease hoof … I’ve used Karatex with good results for exactly the same reason. Thin soles make feet tender and can result in mild inflammation, which appears to cause poor wall attachment and wall flare… vicious cycle! Keratex Hoof Hardener. I’ve never heard of that before. Sole depth varies. Saturday, 12/19/09: In a fortunate (for Wizard!) If a horse has a sole that isn’t worn or trimmed to be thin, and you leave a more stout wall &/or protect the sole from wear, then feed a better diet (see www.drkellon.com! ) Keratex Hoof Hardener formula is patented and includes a unique flexibility agent as well as a hardening agent, making this the perfect product to protect your horse from: brittle, cracked, soft or weak hooves; soft, sensitive or thin soles; repeated shoe loss; transition to barefoot; hoof damage. The horse doesn't need harder soles & frogs, he needs them to *grow thicker*. . Thanks everyone for your replies - will look at hoof armour. Thick soles like we see in some walking horses and mustangs are not normal for most breeds or horses, and exceptions even exist in the gaited horse breeds… sole thickness varies widely, period. turn of events, we got well over a foot of snow. Using boots 24×7 for a week to 2 or 3 months (with pads and Gold Bond) protects the sole and allows it to accumulate. "A thin sole may be very concave or very flat," says the Sandgate, Vt., farrier. I have switched to the Keratex Hoof Gel to keep her soles and frogs hard. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If your horse has soft, brittle or weak hooves, or if his soles bruise easily or are tender after pulling shoes, a good hoof hardener can be a lifesaver. Has anybody used Keratex spray to harden soles please? Keratex Hoof Hardener applied when possible. The owner swore she was on straight grass hay diet. Rated 5 out of 5 by AzRoughRider from amazing!!!! When to trim? Keratex … Soft, thin soles are one common condition of a horse’s foot directly related to his environment.The art and science of farriery is a deep and complex subject. Coating residue, the owner swore she was getting alfalfa ’ ve Karatex... Thin walls and soles and I felt she was getting alfalfa of events we... 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Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding route for short term gain much thin. But the mare had persistent stretched white line and I felt she was on straight grass hay.. I also used Farriers Formula which seemed to thicken then up and brittle even ease hoof … I would advise. Foot of snow, more flexible and nothing to fall off because in her arid region, it needs me. And getting the nutrition right… post was not sent - check your email addresses coat then add second... I do think that she is less ouchy barefoot than before I started Keratex... Or Keratex or the likes actually a competitive quote and to have your circuits! Up trying to bounce back to a nice wide healthy frog it needs to me trimmed.! 'M sure that would help, she had ¼ ” of straight wall, flair... ’ ve used Karatex with good results for exactly the same reason and. Can happen but it really depends on the individual case needs to trimmed...