[CANDYGIRL]

I picked up this leaflet - you know how much I rate Cornucrescine, well they have bought out a new range, and there was this article in the leaflet which is very interesting and I am following the plan.



STABILISING THE MOISTURE CONTENT IS KEY
The desired 25% moisture content of the hoof is extremely difficult to maintain, especially in wet and changeable climates. More important than achieving a reasonably dry hoof, is ensuring that the moisture level of the hoof is regulated and stabilised at a constant level, even if the moisture content is slightly higher than the ideal. Maintaining a consistent moisture level allows the molecular structures of the hoof to adjust gradually to change, so damage does not occur.



The key to managing the moisture content of the hoof is understanding the environmental conditions that affect this.

The hoof structure is damaged by rapid fluctuations in the moisture content. Saturation of the hoof throughout winter and rapid drying during summer conditions causes huge moisture imbalances in the hoof. Rapid drying of a saturated, weakened hoof causes molecular disruption, resulting in visible cracks and splits. Once weakened by saturation, the hoof becomes more porous, easily absorbing water from summer showers/dews etc. Excess water causes hooves to become water-logged and weakened in a similar way that our nails become weak and pliable if we spend too long in the bath. This excess moisture is quickly dried from the hooves on a warm day, exacerbating existing damage.

Dr. Melinda Duer, a molecular chemist and senior lecturer at Cambridge University, has spent the last three years examining the effects of moisture on the molecular structure of the hoof. Her work has illustrated a requirement for the moisture content to be kept stable within the hoof. Laboratory tests have shown that excess water within the hoof weakens keratin structures. These keratin structures have been shown to be irreversibly damaged within days, if the water content is removed rapidly. Such changes do not occur if water is removed gradually.

Dr. Duer also thinks it is likely that bacteria plays a major role in the deterioration of the hoof structure, the reason being that it is possible that bacteria breaks down part of the keratin structure and may be a major cause of hoof cracking. A lot more research is required in these areas.


How does the hoof become dry and damaged?

A stable moisture content within the hoof is essential. If a water-logged hoof dries out too quickly, for example on a warm day, irreversible damage can occur to the molecular structure. Rapid removal of moisture from the hoof does not give the spiral and zig-zag structures enough time to re-adjust shape. Hydrogen bonds stretch, break and are unable to re-attach to the original shape, so the structure collapses. This damage can cause the horn to become dry, brittle and often exhibit cracking. The difference between horn in this state and a healthy strong/dry horn with a low moisture content as described above, should be recognisable.

What happens if the hoof becomes water-logged?

Water is naturally present and evenly distributed throughout the hoof. There are two ways water is stored in the hoof: bulk, free moving water; and bound, trapped water. When the hoof is exposed to excessive amounts of water, moisture molecules flood the hoof structures. This excess of water in the hooves is bulk water.

The hoof swells to accommodate the water, which then weakens the hydrogen bonds that form the spring like and zig-zag structures. The weakened hydrogen bonds cause the shock absorbing springs to become stretched, elongated and unable to re-coil. The hoof structure is damaged and ceases to act as a shock absorber/damper. Hooves in this state may look surprisingly healthy as any minor cracks tend to disappear due to horn expansion. However, the horn is weakened and prone to being soft and crumbly. It is not surprising therefore that shoes are easily lost, especially in heavy-going, due to the weakened state of the hoof.

If you want to read more on this here's the website

http://www.quayequestrian.com/cdm/hooftherapy3.htm

Going to ask Jen or Dawn to make this sticky if they can, as I think alot of us wonder 'Why do our horses Hooves Crack"

Jane

[cassidy]

bump it for jane so everyone can have a chance to read it!

[CANDYGIRL]

Thanks Cassidy Interesting isn't it.


Jane

[Bella]

Very good post. That is very interesting!

-Bella

[SammyDoodle]

Excellent post - this is really interesting - thanks Jane

[CANDYGIRL]

I know the above is a long post, but very very informative, I admit I never Knew this.


Pic has been plaqued with a crack at the front for a few years now.

It is tiny when farrier just been, 8 weeks later about half inch, I have tried everything to get rid of it.

What the research actually shows put in loose terms is

During dry weather you need to moisturise(I am using Naf hoof moisturinsing conditioner, doesn't cause a waterproof barrier

During wet weather - Keratex hoof Hardener(Hardens the hooves, but also lets them breath.

When I have used up these two products I already have, I shall switch to the cornucrescine new range, as I really rate their original hoof ointment for encouraging hoof growth, which I still use around the coronet band.

Jane

[wyldterv]

Originally Posted by CANDYGIRL

...When I have used up these two products I already have, I shall switch to the cornucrescine new range, as I really rate their original hoof ointment for encouraging hoof growth, which I still use around the coronet band...Jane

Jane, I found this topic VERY interesting... Where I live in WA state is very similar in climate to the UK... Alot of rain with periods of sunshine. You learn alot about mud control over here and about thrush management. I've never thought about over moisturizing the hoof walls before, something new to think on!

Now what is Cornucrescine New Range??? TIA! Cheers and thanks again for more informative USEFUL information!!!!!!

[dancingtigger]

very interesting post!! here in Australia we have the opposite to the UK, lots of sunshine (great for riding!) little rain, we are in a drought so cracked hooves are common over here. Thoroughbreds are the worst i have constantly got to oil his hooves.

Aren't the hooves just like our fingernails?

[PiratePrincess]

Wow, another great article Jane

As i'll be up every morning from late October (i'm looking after the YO's old Thoroughbred in the winter as she needs to stay stabled through the cold weather) i might as well start using some stuff on Gracie's hooves. Her hooves aren't actually that bad but they do get a bit cracked sometimes.

[CANDYGIRL]

Here's the web site with the full range of Cornucrescine, including all the products, not just the original hoof care ointment.

http://www.quayequestrian.com/cdm/productList.aspx?id=3

scroll down till you reach the Cornucrescine range.

It's the same site as on the first post, just a different page.

You can get it shipped overseas, another member did, I remember them posting.

Remember that Oil will stop natural water penetration either way in or out, so only use it for shows etc, for everyday hoof care use a product that still allows the hoof to breath and take in/ keep out excess moisture

Moisture balance is the Key, so you might need to use one type one day, the next the opposite.

They also do a putty for White Line Disease, I wish they had this last year, I have spent 12 months packing Pics holes using stockholme tar and cotton wool, when this putty would of been excellent and is designed for WLD as is the dissenfectant, which has a tiny hole, long nozzle and you can get it right in the holes with no waste.

Everything is very resoniblily priced too.

Jane