cracks

Question
I rescued a sweet mare who has an old hoof injury (looks like her foot got caught in something and hoof was smashed).  She is sound but has a vertical hoof crack on her front hoof that causes some sensitivity on harder surfaces.  I use her for light pasture lead line rides for my 2 kids (3 and 6).  Anything I can apply or supplement to aid in her growing out a healthy hoof?

Answer
HELLO LIZ...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

First off...amino acids are the "keys" to proper nutrition...period.

Hoof supplements such as Hoof-Rite, Horseshoer's Secret,and such will "build from within" and produce excellent and solid horn for the horse.

You didn't say if the horse was shod or not. It IS EASIER to "unload" a crack with shoes.
It can be done barefooted, but takes longer because the hoof wall will take more of the compression and concussion. With shoes, after the farrier takes the pressures off the crack
the shoe will support and wear, instead of the hoof wall and get the hard sole off the ground.
Especially like you said, you see alittle sensitivity on hard ground.

Half-shoeing ( just the fronts) is economical and always benefits the comfort of the horse.
Last thing...if dryness is a factor, a conditioner not a dressing would help, say 3 times a week
applied 2 inches below the coronary band/hairline and 2 inches above.

Best to You !!
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.