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We have had difficulty with the hoof wall delaminating especially around the shoe nail holes in our horse. The hoof wall cracks and breaks away. He has been on hoof supplements and has had good farrier care. He has never been lame or foot sore with this issue. We removed his shoes in late November, and the wall has grown nicely with just small chips along the bottom of the foot. He has remained sound and in work (inside arena) for the past few months. I want to begin jumping again and am hesitant about putting glue-on shoes on an eventing horse. What is causing his hoof condition, and what can I do to alleviate it? What are my shoeing options?

Last Updated: October 29, 2008

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It is very difficult to ascertain what may be causing the condition you are describing without seeing the horse and knowing more about the overall management of the horse. One obvious possibility as to the cause is that the horse may have genetically poor quality feet; however, if the feet are growing and maintaining well while barefooted, that may not be the case. There could be many things with the shoeing that could be problematic, beginning with the nails being placed too low or being driven into the wall too close to the edge. Moisture certainly could be a problem. The shoeing interval may need to be shortened. You don't specify if shoes with clips are being used. Clips can help in many instances, but many eventers do not like to use clips. Glueing shoes on can be very beneficial if done properly. Many equine athletes use glue-on shoes, including race horses, jumping horses, eventers, dressage horses, etc.

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