Advice -- Hooves

[meintje]

Hi

I would like to ask for some guidance

We live in France
We are first time horse owners.
We have two haflingers mares (14 and 15yrs old) for driving

When we purchased these (October last year) the VET said that the oldest girl
had a fissure in her hoof, caused by damage 12-18 months ago, the vet said the
hoof was fine (hoof tester) and that the fissure would grow out in Jan/Feb.

The girls have not been Driven for at least 18months before they came to us.

The blacksmith (highly recommended) here said the the hoof would take a shoe and so
we had her shod, and have been driving 1-2 times per week, and taken for a walk whenever
possible.

We recently noticed a large part of hoof seemed to be coming away, so we stopped
driving and called our instructor. He explained that this was like a portion of loose
nail that would fall away and not to worry.
He pointed out the girls were overdue for a shoeing and an appointment has been made
for next thursday 21st MArch.

I did a tiny bit of research and was quite interested in hoof boots figuring that
this would allow Carolien (the horse) to work while the hoof re-grew and stop her
getting bored in a field.

I came up with the easyboot trail

http://www.cannockchaseequine.co.uk/TRAIL?nh=259163

We are looking at this option as the boot seems easy to put on (so I wouldnt hurt Caro' whilst fitting)
and not being ferociously expensive would be a first foray into the world of hoof boots/barehoof

I am intending to get the book 'The Hoof Guided Method' but need to make a decision
before the blacksmith comes next thursday.

if we go hoof boot, the blacksmith will do the trim, we get her measured and get the
boot, questions
1) is this a realistic hoof boot, would we need anything more expensive
2) could we put the boot on her for walkies and then after a few days go for a drive
3) what if any antics could I expect from her.

thanks for your help and sorry for the diatribe.

Simon

 

[mightymammoth]

try joining http://phoenixhorse.myfastforum.org/ if you get no joy on here

 

[magicmoose]

I'm not familiar with the book that you are looking at, but I would reccommend 'Feet First: Barefoot Performance and Hoof Rehabilitation'.

 

[Nudibranch]

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come along soon but I believe those boots are fine as long as they fit her hoof shape. I don't see why you cannot drive her in them straight away.

I would also highly recommend the Feet First book, and look into Pete Ramey's work. Also Marjorie Smith.

I don't think it should take 12-18 months for a damaged hoof to grow out - should be much quicker than this. May be worth looking at her diet as this can have a big impact on hooves. What is she fed on?

 

[amandap]

Along with Maureen Tierney's book and Feet First I recommend Pete Ramey's (now obsolete) book 'Making Natural Hoof care work for you'. It is still a great introduction to barefoot principles imo. He has a new text book out but it is expensive and very technical. Check out his web site for great articles.
Good luck.

You can still buy the book above btw. http://www.amazon.com/Making-Natural-Hoof-Care-Work/dp/0965800776

ps. If you can run to it I also recommend his 10 DVD series Under the Horse. This is another good resource. http://www.barefoothorse.com/