Scaly hooves

[LostandFound]

I had noticed that my new mare's hooves were growing in junky looking. I was a little concerned about it, but I figured different care, plus I had to pull her off grain. I put her on a hoof supplement. But today I noticed my other mare is having the same issue. I've had her for years without this problem. I haven't changed her feed in maybe 2 or 3 years. They both get different hays. And my stallion's feet are the same as they always were. The new mare gets regular work, the other mare does not. Any ideas what I can do to fix it?

 

[MaryFlora]

That is confusing and I will be interested to hear what could be happening. In the meantime, would it be beneficial to wet down the hooves with a hose then coat with thin layer of hoof oil?

On the other hand, if it is some sort of fungus that would probably make things worse. Would your vet take a look at some scrapings?

 

[LostandFound]

Hmmm, I never even though about fungus, I just assumed it had to be nutritional. I guess the vet will have to wait for when they come out for baby shots next month, I'm going to see what the farrier thinks in a week or so.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Wow, that is interesting. Don't horses just make you crazy?
I'd take some sand paper or a sanding block and whisk over one to see if it is something on the surface, like a fungus, or if it is nutritional.

 

[LostandFound]

I think they enjoy making me crazy. The minis in particular like to show me things I've never seen in my life. I'll try sanding a bit tonight and see what's under there.

 

[BSharpRanch]

Weather, feed, work, ground conditions can all play a role in hoof texture.

I have one this year with rough hoof walls. I'm going to oil them, once I buy some oil for them.

I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as the coronet band looks healthy, the hooves aren't splitting and the horse stays sound.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Any update on these hooves?

 

[LostandFound]

The vet says the farrier is my first call and he will be out in the morning. It looks like the cracking is deeper than I want to sand off.

 

[LostandFound]

The farrier says it's just because it's been so dry here. He said I can use some oil or sand it off and it won't hurt them any. And that it may start to flake off by itself now that it is raining.