Hoof improvement?

[Laura+Phantom]

Just wondering what you barefoot people think of Phantom's feet - I posted a pic a while back when his shoes had been off about 6 weeks. Now it's been ages but they have not been trimmed and he's been out on the roads a few times, I think they are looking a lot better shape, the frogs look fuller and he seems really comfortable to walk and trot on the roads.

Then
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/LAUZ45/Phantom/phantombarefootsole.jpg

Today (excuse the dirt and the pic is off my phone)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v115/LAUZ45/Phantom/phantomfronthoofjan4th2007.jpg

What do you think? Any better? How would you like to see them improve? (Farrier is having a tough time at the moment - death in the family, so his feet are 'self trimming')

[Laura+Phantom]

Oh I forgot to say - he had been shod for 9 years previously, and was always losing shoes on his fronts, which were also always cracked, brittle, and crumbly. They look SO much better already!

[TEDDY5]

I am no expert but I think the hoof looks a lot healthier in the second picture, I have just had Ted's shoes taken off so I am taking great interest in any postings about barefoot horses.

[Nik-n-Kia]

I think that there is defo improvement!!!

it looks much better!!!!

Hope it keeps continuing to improve!!!!

Nikki xxxx

[Bebe]

There is a lot of improvement, great stuff.

In terms of things still to work on, my initial thoughts are that I'd like to see the heels come further back and the toe a tad shorter. In turn this should allow the frog to become even fuller as the heels decontract even more.

Looking pretty good though.

[Hunnis Pride]

a nice mustang roll, and yes short toes so he can roll over giving him better movment.
even solaler plane. and no cracks (because they are amost un removeable.. i have a system to remove them.. but most people dont like it)
DO NOT take any sole off because he sounds like hes got hard feet, if he dosent take the time, and walk him over loose shingle, hard ground that moves, and even tarseal
if you have a choise of useing (in his bedding) sand do so, has to be dry tho.
and make sure he doesnt founder, or have seedie toe, and keep his feet oiled
hoping this helps,
(if you cant tell i want to be a black smith )

[Hunnis Pride]

oh yeah and
if you do harden his feet it will take about 9 months but it takes one bruied sole and your back to square one

[Laura+Phantom]

Thanks everyone, sounding positive :D