AboutJoepaul Meyers,C.J.F. Expertise With 35 yrs. as a Certified Journeyman/Master Farrier, I have taught at the Univ.& Trade School levels. My specialty is Veterinary Farriery
Lameness and Therapeutic shoeing.
Question My horse just started a quarter crack on the outside of his hoof. It broke open between the coronary band and the bottom of the hoof. Has not cracked all the way to the bottom or all the way to the top. It's in the middle of the hoof and had some blood there yesterday. He is a standardbred race horse and I want to be able to race him on Sunday.Is there anything I can do to make him as sound as possible on Sunday?
Answer HELLO SALLY...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...
Standardbreds are beyond my expertise...but cracks are cracks.
The crack has to come from two sources. Either he has struck the wall with a strong blow or the shoe is not full enough to let the wall settle?? Most Standardbreds that I've been around, have VERY GOOD shoeing to compete.
Also...they fit them pretty flush, so as not to pull a shoe or have a wreck while running.
This is Tuesday evening and you want to be able to run by Sunday...
I have packed the crack with "Reducine" or "ichthomal" (I think that's how you spell it?? :) :)... apply it in the quarter crack itself and bandage it until Sunday morning. Clean and re-apply every day. It has worked for me and removed tenderness.
Because of bleeding, I would not try to address the crack till after the race. Stapling or lacing or even a patch COULD cause more pressure
and a lame horse for you ??!!
Again...farriers who shoe Standardbreds are usually very good. Your
farrier I'm sure must have a "trick or two" he or she has used before.
Hope I've help in some way...
Best to you...
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.
