Backperson/Farrier - who first?

[lucy16]

Have a TB with flat feet, it's lame on both fronts at the moment, vet thinks it's in the shoulder, so needs his back treating.
Vet also recommended bar shoes to support heels.
Horse has always been sound before, so do I have the back done first to see if that improves things and then do the bar shoes? Or are the shoes going to alter things in the back anyway and he'll need treating again?
Want to get him sound obviously but bar shoes are pretty pricey...!

 

[Nailed]

not sure why you vet is suggesting bar shoes unless you horse has severly lowered heels or is showing signs of navicular in which case i would suggest you try the bar shoes first as the lameness may then been found to be a result of navicular.

If they have been suggested to deal with low heels then i would speak to your farrier about having natural balence shoes and possibly wedges fitted as apposed to bar shoes. once these are on i would then get the back person!

Lou x

 

[scotsmare]

Why is your vet recommending bar shoes without xrays? Without seeing the angle of foot bones etc it would be difficult to fit them correctly. I think you need to start from the feet up - the best way to go would be for your vet and farrier to work together on this one.