honeys feet

[xox stace xox]

ive been panicing over the past few days thinking honey may need to have shoes

im not used to having a barefoot horse ive had her since novemeber boot i worry whilst out, i really dont know how much work se can do and on what ground i took some pics today of her feet for you to have a look and opinions

(ioh should i avoid stones)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/Stace321/hoofmayo7007.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/Stace321/hoofmayo7004.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/Stace321/hoofmayo7002.jpg

[Vez]

I would keep her barefoot and whenever possible ride on the softer ground. Make sure you get the farriers opinion (or barefoot trimmers) Also use one of them hoof hardening products such as kerotex.

[xox stace xox]

is kerotox thos crayon things that fill in the cracks

[Laura+Phantom]

Nope, keratex hoof hardener is a clear liquid that you paint on the bottom half of the hoof, and the sole (not the frog or top of the hoof). It's great stuff!

I'm no hoof expert but honey's feet look in good condition, nice big frogs! If she isn't sore, carry on as you are, and the hoof hardener will help. I try and avoid stones on phantom but if they are there, they are there! He doesn't seem too bothered. I try and alternate between hacking out and lunging/schooling on grass though, to rest his feet.

[Yann]

Let your horse be the judge, they'll tell you if they can't manage. And no need for panic at all as far as I can see from those pictures, there's plenty of foot and it looks to be in good shape :)

[MelanieD]

Looks a good enough foot and has length to spare, wouldn't be worried about it at all as long as the horse is sound. Could do with a bit of a pedicure but not desperate for one and there's really nothing obvious to worry about there. If she's comfortable on stones then its fine to ride over them.

[Jaimee]

you have a good 5mm spare on the heels that shouldnt be there. I think this horse needs a trim. As the heels are getting higher that puts more weight forward on the toe. This often means foot sore. Dont trim anything of the toe, maybe just a little at the back of the quarters. The trim the bar sloping down into the foot. The whole foot is too upright so getting those heels down will balance the foot and allow your horse to grow some more toe, this will eventually develop concavity (which allows them to be sound on all terrain).

Other than that, beautifull feet, they look nice and wide at the heels like they either have had shoes for a very long time or never have. This is great, it means the back of the foot is strong and healthy. By trimming the heels back a little it will remain that way:D

[xox stace xox]

thankyou, she was only trimmed 3 week ago, do you think my farrier is trimming correctly

[Bebe]

I agree with Jaimee re: the heels. They look like they're the type that will fold over and become underrun fairly easily given the opportunity (I should know as my mare has the same problem). I'd want them taking down and back a bit and keeping that way.

As far as whether the farrier is doing a good job, it definitely isn't a bad one and the only gripe I'd have, beyond the heels (and it's not unusual for farriers to leave heels slightly higher than barefoot trimmers would and we could argue for days about who is correct) is that there doesn't appear to be a mustang roll on the wall which would account for it looking a bit ragged. It's a minor point but can make a big difference to chips & small cracks that may appear otherwise. If you can't convince your farrier to put one on when he trims it's easy to learn how to do it yourself.

[xox stace xox]

could any of you recomend a good barefoot hoof trimmer in west yorkshire

and rough prices

[Yann]

Ross and Mel Barker who I use cover that area, they charge £40 a trim in common with most others. Their website is www.right2remainshoeless.com if you want more info and contact details etc.

[xox stace xox]

so how much could she have trimmed ooff her feet at this point cos she having them trimmed thursday

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/Stace321/horsiesD002.jpg

[Bay Mare]

Paula Mayne covers your area. She does Saffy's paws (see piccy below) and is excellent. You can contact her via the epauk website:

http://www.epauk.org


Saffy's Paws

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v146/TashaKat/Saffy/SaffFeet23May07.jpg

[Yann]

It's normally difficult to tell how much a foot needs trimming without looking at it from underneath, however the way the wall is chipping suggests there might be too much height, and possibly some infection present as well.

[xox stace xox]

ok youve worried me now, what sort of infection how do i prevent this and get rid of it

[Yann]

Don't panic! :) It's hard to tell from a photo but just the way the wall is chipping and the look of what's underneath. If it's actually the case (might not be of course!) then soaking the foot in a bucket or soaker boot daily in a solution of borax at 2 tsp per gallon, or dilute hibiscrub can help. This is one area where barefoot trimmers can often give useful advice, bacterial infections are common under shoes in the white line and need tackling once they come off.