Most of the horses at my show barn get tender footed in the summer. Often the reason is all the bathing we do. It wrecks their feet. Try to avoid getting their feet wet, if you can.

I have been advised by my farrier and others to be very careful with any softening hoof oils, lotions or creams on the sole and heel as it will make the problem worse. They need their soles toughened up, if anything. There are a few products my farrier and vet have recommended. There is a hoof packing called Magic Cushion that works nicely to relieve pain and toughen up the sole. I also like the old standard, Venice of Turpentine and Tough Stuff. I have friends that swear by Crossapol and say they can't get through the summer without it.

My farrier also does poured pads for both thrush and sole tenderness. Both my trainer's jumper and my hunter went in poured pads during the summer. It helps a lot.

Best of luck and let us know what happens.

CWirth