I spent 7 hours (yes, seven) trying to fix a toe crack that should have taken 2

Everyone talks about how quick a simple toe crack patch should be, but last Tuesday I had a horse that just would not cooperate. This big draft cross in Columbus had a crack going deep into the white line, and every time I thought I had it stabilized, the hoof would flex and open it right back up. I tried three different patch materials (even the expensive urethane stuff) before I finally got a clean bond that held. My regular farrier buddy laughed at me when I told him it took from 9 AM until nearly 4 PM with just one break. He said I was overthinking it, that I should have just trimmed more flare and let the crack grow out. But honestly, some cracks are more like fractures, you know? And this mare was sore to begin with. Anyone else ever have a simple job turn into an all-day fight with a horse that just won't let you work?

2 comments

2 Comments

beth_sanchez474d ago

Tried three different patch materials before I finally got a clean bond" - THAT is wild. I have been there though, when a crack just REFUSES to stay shut no matter what you slap on it. Honestly, you sticking it out for seven hours shows you care more about that mare than your buddy lets on. Those deep white line cracks are a total nightmare, and if the horse is already sore, rushing it would have just made things worse.

charles_kim4d agoMost Upvoted

Spent a full day on one hoof once. Felt like I was building a watch instead of patching a crack. @beth_sanchez47 gets it though - when they're sore and won't stand still, you can't rush it. My own farrier still gives me hell about that day, calls me "seven hour Charlie" now.