August 2000

In support of our mission statement for educational development, here is the Sixth edition of Info Gaits.

KEEPING THAT PLANTATION SHOE ON!

I have been showing plantation horses for 8 years. One of the major challenges that I still find myself learning and researching is how to keep that 3 ½-4 pound shoe on my horses' feet. What I want to share with you are my findings that are the results of much trial and many errors. These findings can be applied to your lite shod horse, as well, to improve your horses' feet. Because both lite shod and plantation horses have one thing in common--hoof length. The longer the hoof the more problems that begin to show up.

Keeping shoes on your horse begins on the inside with proper nutrition. Plantation horses and competitive lite shod horses must be kept stabled and because of this they loose beneficial nutrients that they normally get from pasture grazing. Start a feeding program to include the proper nutrition. I recommend the following:

1. A high protein hay with no less then 50% alfalfa cut at the stage before seed head formation. Protein is the #1 building block to good hoof growth. Therefore increase the amount of protein in your horses diet.

2. A sweet feed that includes vitamin B-12, biotin and vitamin E in the ingredients. Manna Pro's Stable Choice and Wagon Train are the commercial feed I found fits my feeding programs.

3. Biotin supplements are not all the same. A biotin supplement must contain the essential amino-acid methionine , zinc and yeast. Biotin is water soluble therefore needs to be fed twice a day and needs the digestive action of yeast so that it is absorbed in the large intestine. Vita Key's ZM80 Biotin supplement fits the bill in all aspects.

4. Vitamin and Mineral supplements are also a must for stabled horses (or horses on dry lots). I use Manna Pro's Calf manna concentrate. I found this to be far superior to Red Cell. Calf Manna contains linseed meal, biotin, and yeast along with a great line up of other supplements. I saw improved hoof growth and over all bloom and weight gain. You should be able to cut back on the amount of grain you are feeding when you use this product.

5. Last but the most important. FAT-- YES FAT!! This is extremely important. The #2 building block to good hoof growth. The fatty acids Linoleic and Linolenic are needed for strong flexible Hooves, Glossy Coats, and good Mane and Tails. A Product I found that really works is Coca Soya by Uckele Animal Heath. This oil has not been heat processed so the fatty acids remain intact. Heat processing destroys fats. All commercial grain products are heat processed. You must ad them back. This was a major break through in my feeding program. Tremendous results have been seen in the past six months since I started using Coca Soya. Before I was using Corn Oil. All Corn oils are heat processed.

Starting a good feeding program now will show results six months from the start of the program. So what can you do now? I use 3 products on the exterior of my horses hooves: Farnams Rain Maker, Venice of Turpentine, and Balsam of Peru

Rain Maker I put on, after every work out, around the cornet band and work it in the pastern area above the cornet band.

For cracks and quarter cracks I mix 50/50 Venice of Turpentine and Balsam of Peru. I brush this on the entire hoof area. When this mixture hardens it binds and seals all cracks. The Balsam of Peru should be used alone twice a week on the cornet band to stimulate new growth and to lock in the internal moisture of the hoof.

Horses wearing competitive lite shod shoes of plantation shoes should be fitted with bands. Bands keep the nails from becoming loose. You should check your horse's feet before you ride for loose nails and tighten them if necessary. Tighten the bands before you ride and loosen them slightly afterwards.

Do not under any circumstance turn out a horse with plantation shoes on.

What is imperative is to find a good farrier that knows how to put on plantation shoes. He can also fit the bands. What is important here is that the farrier must drive up the nails 1 ½" onto good hoof wall. Also a large clinch must be left for that shoe to hang onto. Do not cut out the sole of the foot because it will be needed for a platform for the shoe. Just clean around the frog and heel. John and I do a lot of our own shoeing because we have found it hard to find farriers that will do what we want. But I also work with Randy Penticoff of Randy's Farrier Service. Randy will work with you to get the results that you may want. I do not recommend a very long hoof. 4-5" is optimum. Check the rulebook on proper toe to heal requirements. There must be a 1" difference between toe to heal. When you achieve the hoof length that you want keep it there with frequent resets. 1-2 Months apart.

Finally, when the show season is done cut back the hoof all the way to good health foot. Put on a keg shoe and turn out your horse. Your horse will thank you and will be healthier mentally and physically. To start up the next show season start growing out the hoof again two months before your 1st show.

I sincerely hope that this information gives you Good Growth and Happy Hooves! g

Contributor: Teresa Dietz Teresa has been showing Plantation horses for over 8 years. Currently she shows "TJ" and "Cookie". Teresa is also into breeding TWHs. Her mare Lady has a new filly, and TJ is standing at stud. TJ has had an outstanding show career in Wisconsin and beyond.