Under the Horse: Detailed Observations from Farrier Alex Mercer

Barbara and Katie

Katie is a much-loved 20-year-old coloured cob owned by Barbara F. Eight to ten years ago, she suffered a bout of laminitis, and although she came through it with her usual toughness, the after-effects lingered in her feet for years. For the past six to eight years, she struggled with weak hoof walls and very little growth through the toe.

Summer was always the most difficult time. As the ground hardened and the weather dried out, Katie’s feet would become brittle and fragile, particularly in the nailing area. Keeping shoes on her could be a challenge, and losing them during the warmer months became a familiar frustration. Her feet simply lacked the strength and consistency needed to hold up to the season.

Over the last 18 months, since starting Farrier’s Formula Double Strength, a noticeable change has taken place. Her hoof quality has improved steadily, with a more consistent growth pattern throughout the year. The toe has shown stronger, more reliable growth, and the horn itself feels more stable and resilient. Most importantly, Katie now copes far better during the summer months, with fewer issues around shoe retention and overall hoof strength.

At 20 years old, Katie continues to thrive, her feet now supporting her more reliably than they have in years — a testament to careful management, patience and the right nutritional support.

Cynthia and Flick

Flick is a 16.2hh Thoroughbred mare, now 26 years old, owned by Cynthia N. Still bright and keen, she is at her happiest hacking the country lanes around Newark, Nottinghamshire — but her feet have required careful management over the years.

As she grew older, Flick’s hoof quality steadily declined. She struggled with weak horn and poor growth, particularly through the toe, and the problem became more pronounced with age. Summer was always the most challenging season. The dry ground left her front feet brittle, with very little strength in the nailing area, and keeping shoes on during this period was often difficult.

Flick also has asymmetrical front feet, which created additional challenges. Her lesser angled hoof tended to suffer in the quarter area, while the greater angled hoof lacked strength through the toe. This imbalance meant different stresses in each foot, making consistent support and shoe retention even more important.

Over the past 18 months, since being introduced to Farrier’s Formula Double Strength, a clear improvement has been seen. Her hoof horn has become stronger and more reliable, and a consistent growth pattern has established itself throughout the year. Most notably, she now copes far better during the summer months, with improved nail hold and fewer lost shoes.

At 26, Flick continues to enjoy her hacking, supported by stronger, more stable feet — proof that even in later years, the right nutritional support can make a meaningful difference to hoof health and overall comfort.

Emma and Olly

Olly is an 11-year-old 14.2hh Thoroughbred x Connemara gelding with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Now owned by Emma C. and ridden regularly by Emma’s daughter, Liberty, he can often be found hacking the country lanes around Newark, Nottinghamshire. This season, he has also been a regular out with the Cranwell Bloodhounds, thoroughly enjoying his work.

Before finding more consistent management, Olly struggled significantly with his hoof quality. He suffered from weak feet and very limited growth, and up until three years ago his front shoes had to be glued on every four weeks due to the lack of integrity in the hoof wall. Nail retention simply wasn’t possible. Since being bought by Emma, he has also experienced ongoing delamination within the hoof wall, further weakening the structure.

Seasonal changes made matters worse. In the summer, the nailing area in his front feet lacked strength and resilience, while winter brought its own challenges, with wet conditions causing his feet to crumble and break away. Maintaining balance and security in his shoes was a continual battle.

Now a happy, active gelding thriving alongside his stable mate Flick, Olly’s stronger, healthier feet allow him to fully enjoy his hacking and hunting days — a clear example of how correct nutritional support with Farrier’s Formula can transform long-term hoof challenges.

Nicola, Hannah and Joey

Joey is a 20-year-old Irish Draught owned by mother and daughter Nicola and Hannah G. A much-loved family horse who still enjoys hacking out four to five times a week, Joey has always had a willing attitude — but for several years, his feet proved challenging.

Around five years ago, Joey began to struggle with weak hoof wall and poor toe growth. Keeping shoes on became an ongoing battle, particularly during the summer months. As the ground hardened and conditions dried out, the nailing area would weaken, his feet becoming brittle and fragile. Shoes were frequently lost, and maintaining consistency on a six-week shoeing cycle was difficult due to the lack of strong wall to nail into.

Two years ago, changes were made to support him more effectively. Alongside a move to a different yard and improvements to his immediate environment, Joey was started on Farrier’s Formula Double Strength. Since then, the transformation in his hoof quality has been clear. His feet have become noticeably more stable, with improved horn strength and a far more consistent growth pattern throughout the year.

Importantly, Joey now copes much better during the summer. The hoof wall holds nails more securely, shoe loss is far less frequent, and maintaining his regular six-week shoeing cycle is no longer a concern. With stronger, more resilient feet beneath him, Joey continues to enjoy his regular hacks — proving that even at 20, the right management and nutritional support can make a lasting difference.