The cause isn\u2019t always straightforward, but digging a little deeper can help you figure it out in order to correct the problem. The fact is that most hoof cracks are due to foot imbalance, either from side to side or front to back.<\/p>\n
However, here are a few other causes:<\/p>\n
Improper or neglectful hoof care
\nHoof disease
\nCoronary band defects
\nThin hoof walls
\nPoor nutrition
\nExcessive dryness or moisture
\nTrauma to the hoof<\/p>\n
TYPES OF HOOF CRACKS<\/strong><\/p>\n There are four general types of hoof cracks in horses:<\/p>\n Toe Cracks<\/strong> occur in the first third of the hoof and mainly affect the front feet. They often happen TREATING HOOF CRACKS<\/strong> Have you ever dealt with hoof cracks? If so, please share your the experience in the The cause isn\u2019t always straightforward, but digging a little deeper can help you figure it out in order to correct the problem. The fact is that most hoof cracks are due to foot imbalance, either from side to side or front to back. However, here are a few other causes: Improper or neglectful hoof care…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":38242,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[162,164,161,163],"class_list":["post-38239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-riding","tag-hoof","tag-hoof-cracks","tag-horse-care","tag-horse-hooves"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nif the toe grows too long, but they can also occur if a horse has white line disease or excessively
\nupright or club feet.
\nQuarter Cracks<\/strong> are vertical cracks occurring on the side of the hoof. They usually start at the
\ncoronary band and move downward. Quarter cracks can lead to inflammation and possible
\ninfection of the hoof, and they may cause lameness. They usually occur in the front feet but can
\noccur in the hind feet as well.
\nHeel Cracks<\/strong> affect the back of the hoof, just below the heel bulbs. They are usually caused by
\nill-fitting shoes but can be the result of overstriking as well. Heel cracks may or may not cause
\nlameness.
\nHorizontal Cracks<\/strong> result from trauma to the coronary band or from an abscess that has burst
\nat the coronary band. They do not usually cause lameness and will eventually grow out on their
\nown.<\/p>\n
\nThe best way to deal with hoof cracks is first to treat any underlying infections. Then, seek the
\nhelp of an experienced hoof care provider to balance your horse\u2019s hooves. Special shoes may
\nbe needed with severe hoof cracks, but oftentimes, correcting the hoof imbalance should solve
\nthe problem. Routine hoof care is important to keep the cracks from returning.
\nIf moisture or dryness is a problem, management changes may be needed. Nutrition also plays
\nan important part in preventing hoof cracks. Feeding good-quality forage, adequate protein, and
\nappropriate vitamins and minerals (especially zinc and copper) are all important. However, keep
\nin mind that hooves grow slowly, so it may take the better part of a year to notice the effects of
\nyour supplements.<\/p>\n
\ncomments!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"