StrawberryFish
Well-Known Member
Hi all 
Long time no see!
My old warmblood is back off full loan after 7 years. He is rather arthritic in his hind legs, however I think his nearside shoulder is going the same way and his neck is very clicky too.
He has been back with me for 8 days now and I put him onto Simple Systems food (well he has a soaked Lucie brick a day with his prescribed anti-inflamatories in) and his coat is looking fab and he has filled out a tad. I am about to start him on an aloe gel too which contains msm and glucosamine to help his joints.
Now, his feet has always been awful, keeping shoes on him was a nightmare and it seems nothing has changed.
He can only walk when ridden (although I haven't actually had a chance to ride yet as he is currently lame in front from acting like a yearling in the field *rolls eyes* ) so to cut a long story short(er) I was thinking about taking the shoes off completely and going barefoot.
If it's okay, I would like more information please from those in the know! And please excuse the stupid questions *blush*
a) will the 'normal' farrier be the right person for the job. I'm assuming yes, but I don't want to not ask just in case!
b) does anyone have any experience of going barefoot helping his arthritis at all (yes it's a long shot, he's not going to improve much, I know that, but any thing I can do to ease his discomfort I have to do)
I will add pictures later today after I've been to the yard, and if I have left out any information. please ask, my brain is on holiday!
SF
x
Long time no see!
My old warmblood is back off full loan after 7 years. He is rather arthritic in his hind legs, however I think his nearside shoulder is going the same way and his neck is very clicky too.
He has been back with me for 8 days now and I put him onto Simple Systems food (well he has a soaked Lucie brick a day with his prescribed anti-inflamatories in) and his coat is looking fab and he has filled out a tad. I am about to start him on an aloe gel too which contains msm and glucosamine to help his joints.
Now, his feet has always been awful, keeping shoes on him was a nightmare and it seems nothing has changed.
He can only walk when ridden (although I haven't actually had a chance to ride yet as he is currently lame in front from acting like a yearling in the field *rolls eyes* ) so to cut a long story short(er) I was thinking about taking the shoes off completely and going barefoot.
If it's okay, I would like more information please from those in the know! And please excuse the stupid questions *blush*
a) will the 'normal' farrier be the right person for the job. I'm assuming yes, but I don't want to not ask just in case!
b) does anyone have any experience of going barefoot helping his arthritis at all (yes it's a long shot, he's not going to improve much, I know that, but any thing I can do to ease his discomfort I have to do)
I will add pictures later today after I've been to the yard, and if I have left out any information. please ask, my brain is on holiday!
SF
x