I've had horses here now for about 18 years, and always kept them shoed. I tried this past summer to let them go barefoot, after I had one that seemed to do fine barefoot. But it didn't work. We have tons and tons of rock. And I ride alot, almost everyday. Their poor feet wore off so short they were just staying sore all the time, altho I never had any crack, just stayed wore off short. I finally gave up and went back to shoeing.
I've heard about the biotin, and asked the guy at our feed store about it. He said it worked good, but to be sure to give the right amount. "More" is not better. I never did try that. I did paint thier soles with an iodine, turpentine mix, and put vasoline on the coronet band to help moisturize. The farrier said their feet were good and hard, it's just I ride sooooo much, they were going to stay wore too short. I don't know why the one I had, which is the one Cindy has now, Okie, did so well barefoot here. He had never been shoed when I got him. I've heard that once you start shoeing you do change their feet and then will most likely have to keep shoeing. So I don't know, probably 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of another on what's "best":)
Becky
The farrier told me it was because it's so hot and dry (usually) here. Who knows?