Tips for Hoof Cracks and Chips

nutritional deficiencies can be ruled out. If only the front hooves are involved suspect concussion cracks from hard surfaces. If the horse is traveling over hard surfaces a lot then back hooves may also crack. Cracks in the front hooves may also be a sign of contracted heels 2
Quarter and sand cracks near the heel of the hooves may be an indication of poorly trimmed hooves. If the heels get run under or shallow the hoof wall may crack due to uneven weight distribution. This too may indicate that contracted heels are developing.
If the hooves are chipping it may indicate that the horse frequently travels over rough or abrasive surfaces such as rock or gravel frozen mud or ice. Although hoof material is very strong it is still not as hard as stone or pavement. Horses that must travel on these surfaces need some protection.
Some cracks are caused by an injury at the coronet band either by a direct hit or by repeated concussion over hard surfaces. Cracks and chips can also form if the hoof is left untrimmed. Whiteline diseasean infection that sets in between the hoof wall and underlying hoof structuresmay cause the hoof to split crack or chip.
Treatment
If wet dry or very hard conditions are to blame you may have to change the horses environment. If mud or wet is a problem your horse may have to spend at least part of the day on a dry surface like wood pellets or dry sand that will help draw moisture out. If dry conditions are the problem many people let their water troughs run over forming a damp area that the horse must stand in to drink. Hoof oils may not help as these products may seal out moisture. In extreme cases where hoof cracks are affecting the horses soundness shoes staples or other supportive materials such as acrylic patches may be necessary to reinforce the hoof as the hoof crack heals. If laminitis or a severe infection is involved a veterinarian can prescribe treatment options such as antibiotics 3
Prevention
Balanced trims by a good farrier and good nutrition are the cornerstones of good hoof health. If the horse must travel over rough surfaces such as roads gravel rocks or ice consider using either shoes or hoof boots. Some horses will toughen up if exposed gradually to these surfaces but some may always stay sensitive and need some extra protection
Its important to realize that because hooves grow relatively slowly repairing cracks can be a long slow process.