How to Repair a Cracked Hoof Bar on a Horse

Hoof bars are a continuation of the wall of the hoof, and provide structure and support for the heel. If you pick up the horse's foot and look at the sole, you will see a triangular shape at the back known as the "frog". On either side of the frog, the wall of the hoof bends round and becomes the bars, visible as a ridge of horn extending roughly half-way along the frog. If the bars become cracked or damaged due to injury, it may result in lameness as the bars bear a lot of the foot's weight. Specialist shoes may be needed to address the problem; these should only be fitted by experts.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket of warm water
  • Disinfectant
  • Stiff brush
  • Farrier or barefoot trimmer
  • Veterinarian (optional)
  • Hoof feed supplement
  • Hoof boot
  • Hoof conditioning treatment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Diagnose the condition. Cracks to the hoof bars are typically the result of trauma, but can be exacerbated by hot, dry conditions or lack of regular hoof care. Additionally, some horses have naturally poor quality or badly shaped feet, and are more prone to problems. Add disinfectant to a shallow bucket of warm water and place the hoof in it. Encourage the horse to stand still for as long as possible, then use a stiff brush to remove any dirt so you can see the site of the injury. Continue washing until the sole of the foot is completely clean.

    • 2

      Find the site of the crack. If there are any puncture wounds or bleeding, consult a veterinarian. If the bars have been allowed to grow too long, they may have folded in on themselves and cracked under the pressure of the horse's weight. In this case, a little trimming may be the only thing required.

    • 3

      Consult a farrier. If the cracking is severe, he may need to use glue, clips or to fit heart bar shoes while it heals. These are shoes that are completely enclosed and not the normal "U" shape. The heel of the shoe has a triangular support for the heel, which helps support the foot while the bar heals. Alternatively, you may need to fit a protective hoof boot until the crack has knitted together.

    • 4

      Prevent the problem from recurring by strengthening the hoof. Feed your horse a daily hoof strengthening supplement and paint on a hoof conditioning treatment at least every few days. If possible, remove any causes of injury, such as large rocks or broken fencing, from your horse's field.