Abscesses

Question
I have a four year old quarter horse who lives in an indoor-outdoor stall. By that i mean he has a stall, and a large private pasture. The pasture has no grass and barely any rocks, just dirt. In the summer it is very dry and the winter it is very muddy. I see my horse almost every day and pick his hooves very thoroughly. But he got 4 abscesses last year in spring. He is not shoed. I hate seeing him in pain, it kills me, what can i do to prevent these abscesses??

Answer
HEY MARIAH...Thanks for your question...

Remember...I'm not looking at the horse with you, so I'm
speculating...but "usually" in a case like yours, after
repeatedly having abscesses...the hoof either has slightly thin walls or a soft condition. A hoof capsule like that
is pre-disposed to small matter (rocks,wood,fiber of sorts)
very small objects to enter the sole/white line and start damage. This condition of yours probably won't stop.

One other thing...this is NOT an attack toward your farrier.
Some farriers trim a hoof pretty close?? Maybe not...but I would definitely ask him/her about it. Trimming for barefeet
needs to be done with alittle extra hoof wall left for protection and comfort...kinda like leaving some finger nail on your hand. Trimmed to close, would cause discomfort.

I DON'T advocate shoes. It's been said "The best shod horse is a barefoot one". BUT...that being said, you shoe for protection or correction. In your case, shoes would probably help alot, if leaving extra hoof wall does not.
Something to think about. The extra expense might be worth it, to avoid Vet bills and farriers helping him with his pain and discomfort.

I hope I've helped you with my suggestions. It's always
easier when a person is looking at the problem.
Thanks again!
Joepaul  Meyers,C.J.F.