Farrier's Formula

Based on extensive equine nutrition research and successfully marketed with proven results since 1979

The equine hoof is a miracle of design and construction, but for the natural design of the hoof to be fully executed, the correct nutrients must be present in the horse's diet. Farrier's Formula provides the balanced nutrient support that horses need to build strong connective tissue proteins. Connective tissue proteins are the microscopic framework of the mammalian body, giving form and strength to all major organs and tissues. Of all the protein in the body over 40% is connective tissue protein, making it by far the most abundant.

Connective tissue proteins combine to form fibres which may cross-link with adjacent fibres. The joined fibres' strength is dependent on the number of cross links.

Those cross-links are chemically "expensive" for the body to produce. If the right chemicals in the form of nutrients from the diet are not present, fewer cross links can be made; the tissue being constructed or repaired will be weaker. The hoof is a highly cross-linked connective tissue that depends on its many cross links for strength and resiliency. Thus a strong healthy hoof can only be built through proper nutrition.

A: perioplic corium B: coronary corium C: laminar corium D: perioplic sulcus E: coronary sulcus F: stratum medium  of  the hoof wall G: epidermal (hoof  wall) laminae H: corium of the frog J: frog stay K: internal surface of  the sole L: solar corium 1: central sulcus of  the frog 2: collateral sulcus 3: crus of the sole 4: apex of the frog 5: body of the sole 6: epidermal  laminae 7: bulb of the heel 8: angle of the wall 9: angle of the sole 10: bar 11: white line 12: stratum medium  of the hoof wall

Within weeks of feeding Farrier's Formula, you will notice a glossy more deeply coloured coat, and an emerging new band of hoof growth. Internal benefits are harder to see, but just as dramatic.

In addition to national reports of improving the horse's skin and coat condition, Farrier's Formula provides the chemical "currency" to produce cross links that allow the horse to produce strong hooves. For help in growth, old age, or maintenance of healthy hooves use this nutritional insurance.

Biotin alone is not enough to correct poor horn quality in most cases, as it's only one of many nutrients needed by the adult horse. In fact, the adult horse is said to have no dietary requirement for biotin unless under stress conditions such as intense work, travelling, being stabled for long periods or being fed a low-quality diet. And even under these conditions, biotin deficiency is relatively rare, and is usually accompanied by many dietary deficiencies.

Horses which respond to biotin supplementation alone (approximately 5% of those with poor-quality horn) show large holes in the outermost layer of the wall when viewed under a microscope. The inner layers of the wall were usually not affected. If you'd like to confirm that your horse is not biotin-deficient, there's a relatively inexpensive blood test your veterinarian can perform for you.

Methionine, proline, glycine and glutamine are some of the major building blocks of healthy connective tissue, or collagen. Copper and vitamin C are also necessary, serving as catalysts in the formation of strong and healthy horn. All these nutrients should be supplied via diet or supplementation for healthy hooves.

Essential fatty acids are necessary for a healthy, shiny coat, as well as the proper moisture maintenance and pliability of the hoof structure. Your horse can obtain these fatty acids from grain, unprocessed grain oils, cooked whole soybeans, or the lecithin found in processed grains and supplements.

Healthy hooves require zinc for the prevention of defective keratin, the tough material found in the outer layers of hoof and skin. If keratin is not properly formed, the hoof will be soft and brittle. You can provide the proper quantities of zinc through diet or supplementation.

Some believe that selenium will help hooves become healthier. In reality, no known definitive studies support this. In fact, when fed in high amounts, selenium causes excessive and very poor-quality hoof growth, and can be very toxic. Because selenium deficiency can cause muscle problems, supplementation should be handled carefully and under the direction of your veterinarian who can monitor levels through blood testing.

Older horses often have problems chewing... combine that with their less-efficient metabolization of nutrients, and you have a horse that needs special care. You might try feeding ground hay and/or steam-rolled oats for your near-toothless senior, and continue to provide regular exercise suitable for his health and condition. Plus, routine veterinary and farrier care becomes even more critical... aged horses often have thyroid problems that can cause poor hoof health and a dull hair coat.

Foundered horses require special care usually good-quality grass hay, little or no grain (maintain a healthy weight), free-choice water and loose salt, along with a well-balanced supplement for proper nutrition. However, each foundered horse is an individual, and your veterinarian and farrier should be consulted.

"Easy keepers" (horses that maintain weight on little more than grass and hay) can actually be less than easy, as feeding too much lush pasture or grain can cause founder, while not feeding enough nutrients can cause poor dermal tissue health or thyroid problems. The solution is much like for a foundered horse... good-quality grass hay, little or no grain, free-choice water and loose salt, and a well-balanced supplement that includes L-tyrosine and iodine.

If your horse isn't chewing his feed properly, he's not getting enough nutrients'. There are many causes of poor mastication, but the most common is uneven wearing of the molars into sharp points. Examine your horse's manure for whole grain or hay stems exceeding 1/4 inch in length, and look for excessive dribbling of feed, or an unusual sensitivity to the bit. These are signs that your horse's teeth aren't doing their job, and require the attention of your veterinarian or equine dentist.

On the subject of supplements, it's good to keep in mind how quickly both good and bad nutritional changes should be seen in the hooves. If your horse does have a noticeable hoof problem, and you begin a nutritional program to solve it, you should see a positive difference emerging from the coronary band within eight to ten weeks. If not, you should re-examine your nutrition and management program immediately with the help of an equine nutritionist.