Barefoot 10 weeks - how are they looking?

[nirikina]

Connor is 10 weeks into his barefoot transition, also 5 weeks since his last trim (which left him sore) but I don't think there's much, if any, there to take off.

I'm still trying various lotions and potions to treat his frogs, but without much improvement I have to say.

Front left

Front right

Today we hacked out, booted in front, about 3 miles.

 

[cptrayes]

Ooooh there's interesting!

Can you see the completely new lateral balance that you have growing in? (Try rpinting off the photo and drawing lines following the angle of the top half inch at the side right the way to the floor and you'll see very clearly how his foot is going to sit in a different place under his leg once that foot is grown out)

Was he sound in shoes? That kind of angle change is typical of horses with collateral ligament strains in shoes.

They are looking good for 10 weeks

 

[nirikina]

Yes, I can see the new angle of growth. The biggest change is in his left front, which actually looked good to start with so there's a surprise. He is growing more hoof on the inside and wearing the outside. If I were to trim that growth off to make his feet then I would undo all his hard work and probably make him sore again.

He was 'not quite right' in shoes. No-one ever said that he was lame but I could tell he wasn't right. Now, in the school at least he feels much better than he did when shod. I'm confident I made the right decision.

 

[Oberon]

Work in progress.

Time and movement will do more to to fix up those heels and sulcus than lotions.

Glad he is feeling good so far.

 

[cptrayes]

Yes, I can see the new angle of growth. The biggest change is in his left front, which actually looked good to start with so there's a surprise. He is growing more hoof on the inside and wearing the outside. If I were to trim that growth off to make his feet then I would undo all his hard work and probably make him sore again.

He was 'not quite right' in shoes. No-one ever said that he was lame but I could tell he wasn't right. Now, in the school at least he feels much better than he did when shod. I'm confident I made the right decision.

Because of that dramatic change in lateral balance it is my guess that your decision to take the shoes off your horse has saved him from serious collateral ligament strain that could have threatened his whole future. The fact that you knew he was not moving right, and now feel he is, coupled with the angle change, says it all for me. You may like to buy some velcro jodphurs. If you think he moves well now - wait until that foot is completely grown down

 

[CBFan]

Looking good! be patient - it's a hard journey but I'm assured it is worth it!

I'd reccomend dilute milton for froggies! I've been doing my boy's every night this last week as with this warm damp weather they've got a little whiffy again!