Hoof injury

Question
I have a 4 yr old QH gelding who appears to have cut his hoof wall near the heel on the outside. The cut starts at the coronary band and extends down the hoof wall about 1 in. The piece of hoof wall has also started to pull away slightly, this caused the skin along his coronary band to split toward the front of his hoof about 2 in. I would like some advice on how to treat this.

Answer
Dear Elsie:

I feel that you should not treat this yourself. This type of injury can permanently damage the growth of the hoof for the rest of the horse's life if it is not managed very carefully. I strongly urge you to get a good equine vet to look at this to determine the approach AND he/she may recommend a farrier look at this too. Damage to the coronary band can be very severe to the hoof health. This would will require a good bit of time to heal completely. It will be necessary to determine if the hoof wall needs to be repaired/patched or stitched by the farrier and if the vet needs to do something to close and help the coronary band to heal appropriately. I cant tell you more than this right not without being able to examine it. Please be proactive about this. I wish you good luck. Let me know if I can provide any other assistance to you. Happy new year to you and your family.

Im sorry you feel that I have not displayed adequate knowledge in my response to your answer. The recommendations I gave you are wrought from alot of experience and training. Unfortunately, many questioners expect a conclusive and definitive approach to be outlined for them. Such an answer is really not possible when I cannot see or examine the horse in question. Its immpossible for me to give a definitive answer for something when I have nver seen it myself and I must rely on a decription from an owner that may or may not be very familiar with many of the specifics of equine practice and veterinary medicine. Without seeng thw wound myself,I cant tell you how it needs to be surgucally closed or how the hoof wall needs to be repaired, or IF it can be repaired. It would be irresponsible of me to do so and it could lead to a poor outcome. However, i do give advice based on what could be the greatest concern if the situation is not managed well. that for this case, includes future hoof wall groth. I did not mean to suggest that you are not capable of caring for yourself on your own, but there are times and certain injuries that can have negative outcomes if certain things are not evaulated and addressed. An injury to the coronary band and the hoof is one of those situations. Contrary to your impression, this response is responsible, well thought, puts you and your horse's well being foremost and is based on alot of knowledge and experiennce, even though it seems to be limited- it is cautious. Im very sorry you feel me to be of limited knowledge. I provide excellent and appropriately conservative advice based on the fact that I cannot see these horses. Furthermore, I provide this service  on an entirely volunteer basis (free to you), despite any other equine vet board-certified in 2 areas, board-eligible in a third and that has a Masters degree would charge for their consultations. If you are disappointed with my service, I suggest you utilize another source for your free advice.