Thank you all for your suggestions!! I have read that putting an egg bar shoe on will help with stability and support of the foot. I do not keep shoes on him through the winter. My main concernt is controlling his pain. I have started him on a hoof supplement and my farrier has been educated on doing proper work on this problem. I have also turned him out 24 hours. He does not have a problem with weight and he is a very healthy horse (I am fortunate) very easy keeper. I am going to continue gathering information and I want to start him on the Super Substitute. My question for this is how long does it last in the system and if I am riding all day on the trails how much should I actually give him? I am going trailing riding in mid October for a week and would love to take my faithful partner with me, but I want him to enjoy it as well and not be in pain by the second day. Thanks Again Mandy & Comet

Where are you from? Butler, Indiana

How did you locate this forum? Googling :)

Hi Mandy,

The Super Substitute is an herbal preparation and needs to be continually supplied, with a good loading dose for one week and then down to a maintenance dose. For occasions where he may be in more pain, you'll want to give him a dose twice each day.

Keep in mind that pain relievers do not "cure" anything -- they can reduce inflammation somewhat, but they can also mask pain. So, damage can still take place during prolonged activity. So, my recommendation would be to consult your vet and farrier to make sure he is sound before a long trail ride. If you only mask the pain, he may become worse.

Keep up the fine work of taking care of him!

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO