Hello,

Im brand new to this forum, I actually sought it out because Im struggling with my 14 year old Thoroughbred. Hes a retired race horse, very loving and has been with me for 9 years. I was wondering if anyone could lend me some help or advice, in the last 4-5 months my horse has seemed to constantly turn up lame.

Now I know he's not got the best hooves in the world, a fore hoof has been cracked most of his time with me and its never caused him any discomfort. When I clean his hooves they do smell foul, but not too terribly so. He has had thrush in the past and a abessess, but I cant find any hot spots or indication of one. His hooves are soft, I dig them out as well as possible with a hoof knife to be sure theres no small pebbles causing him trouble. Ive tried hoof conditioners in attempt to just try and help him. But its hard to treat when I just dont know whats wrong. Ive contemplated treating him for thrush, but I dont feel that the smell of his hooves is serious enough to be a case bad enough to make him lame. But i could be wrong, theres no swelling or heat spots in his legs at all either. (Or that I can find.)

Any suggestions on what could be wrong? I will try and get some pictures of his hooves tomarrow after I scrub them up. Any help is greatly appreciated.

~Dee