barefoot advice please

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katymay

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All four shoes came off Dec 23rd and we have been transitioning really well, using boots all round for hacking then progressed to boots on front and he felt really good, his heels and quarters were long so decided to get bf trimmer out, he got me to walk Jester and trot him so he could see how he moved and landed etc then trimmed accordingly but had to bring his heels right down and toes right back, his feet look amazing, lovely thick soles, no thrush etc, but here is the thing, he looks so uncomfortable with the change, leading him out of the stable this morning he could hardly move :( seems ok once he gets going and walked in paddock ok but watching him stood he rocks back onto hinds and shuffles occasionally, spoke to trimmer yesterday and he said its likely his tendons and things stretching due to new angle and to keep him moving , I'm going to leave him out tonight to see if it helps and trimmer said he would come straight over if I'm still worried :( wondered if I should ring vet for a few days of bute, or out him and take him for a walk in hand to stretch things? I've messaged physio to see if she can come out urgently and awaiting reply, help! Totally gutted and hare seeing him sore , thank you
 
I'm afraid I would be very upset with your trimmer. Whilst the shape the hooves have been trimmed to might be that which you would ideally want at the end of the transitioning period, there needs to be gradual change to allow physiological adaptation of the supporting structures.
 
Hopefully if you click on the picture it should come up as a video, can anyone give me some thoughts? Should I get some bute? I have now popped pads and boots on front in the hope it will make him more Comfortable :(
 
Sounds like severe trim causing pain but id also be concerned about laminitic with rocking onto heels. Id treat as lami tbh to be safe.
And not get them back, why not carry on with the previous person?
 
katymay said:
spoke to trimmer yesterday and he said its likely his tendons and things stretching due to new angle and to keep him moving ,
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my question would be why do so much in one go that this could happen. There are so many posts on so many forums which go,
"my horse was fine/sound. The trimmer came, my horse can now barely move/ hobbles/cannot move as well."

not all of these horses suddenly have laminitis at exactly the same time as they were trimmed. Many are being over trimmed.
I too would be very upset with the trimmer and wanting to know why, precisely, my horse was OK before (which presumably he was if he was trotted up) and not now.
 
I too would be cross with the trimmer. Personally I'd never have a bf trimmer do my horses hooves but then I have a fab farrier. Mine doesn't need trimming or hoof adjusting as she does it all herself and sees the farrier every 4-6mths for a check up.

Trust your horse, if they are comfortable and don't look like they need doing leave them and your horse will sort them out. Have a rasp to take sharp edges off and have a hoofy check up as and when needed.

Lesson learned that a perfect looking hoof isn't a perfect hoof. Hopefully your horse won't be uncomfortable for long.
 
Bet it was an equine podiatrist that trimmed the horse- they love the all at once to produce a picture perfect hoof approach. Do not allow him back-ever!!! No horse should be trimmed lame by anybody, regardless of their qualification or justification in so doing. A good hoof professional would suggest little and often or even not trim. We have a mare that was last trimmed in July last year! She is seen by the farrier every 6 weeks, but she has not been trimmed because she doesn't need it!
Your horse should recover within a week, like others said-watch for rocking back onto heels as this may indicate laminitis.
 
Not all EPs are like that, it does depend on them and who they trained with.
I am pretty appalled at your story though OP, and saying stuff is adjusting is just :eek3: would you mind PMing me who it was or letting us know where you are for when you need him doing again.

Pads and boots are a good idea, I can't see the video to comment on bute I'm afraid.

I'd be interested to see any photos you have pre or post trim.
 
Thanks ester, just been down and he is a lot happier in his boots and pads plus it's raining so ground is a bit softer.
I've left him out tonight with access to his stable and paddock much to the little man's disgust as he is shut in!
Will see how he is in the morning x
 
katymay said:
, I'm so heartbroken :(
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if you have boots then put boots and pads on and leave them on for as long as necessary. Take them off on soft grass if he is comfortable or in a bedded stable. Keep the feet dry and use athlete's foot powder. I would leave the physio's visit for a few days until the horse is moving better then they will be able to correct everything. It is not the end of the world and the feet will grow.


I am probably a horrible person but if it was me I would be having a real discussion with this trimmer as to how this could have been allowed to happen.
 
I'd be really cross- your trimmer having been advised you have a really sore reluctant to move horse should have advised you to seek veterinary advise- not to make a lame horse walk - end of services and a complaint to their professional body is in order.
 
serenityjane said:
Bet it was an equine podiatrist that trimmed the horse
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Fwiw, just because loads of people like to have an excuse to bash them on here in this instance it wasn't and the OP should be complaining to the WCF if anyone.

OP I sent a copy of your post as seemed the easiest way to explain what has happened to the person who's details I sent and she has replied so if you do want to make contact she has a bit of prior knowledge of the situation.

I'm glad he is happier in boots and pads, useful things to have - haven't used my boots for 18 months until last month when we had to poultice for the first time ever! Just keep an eye on him over the weekend and am sure by next week he will feel much better. The nosiness in me would still quite like to see some pics but don't worry if you'd rather not :).
 
There is no before video so there is nothing to compare to.

Is this a qualified EPAUK trimmer? You can complain directly to EPAUK as they are LANTRA approved so are governed. This should not happen.
 
Promise to take pictures tomorrow ester as need OH help as can't master holding foot and taking pictures at the same time! :)
 
katymay said:
Promise to take pictures tomorrow ester as need OH help as can't master holding foot and taking pictures at the same time! :)
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ha, it takes skillz I tell you! What is good is when people take me pics and I go, what am I supposed to tell from up there, get down on the floor woman!
 
Farrier of experience. Hope OP doesn't mind me saying that but I don't think trimmers always deserve the bashing they sometimes get on here.
 
ester said:
Farrier of experience. Hope OP doesn't mind me saying that but I don't think trimmers always deserve the bashing they sometimes get on here.
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Definitely not!

Not ALL farriers are registered... not all trimmers are registered..

So find registered farriers and find registered trimmers... in the UK there is only ONE registry the EPAUK. If they are not EPs... they are not trimmers... :)

More fool you, the client, for not checking credentials :)

Lets hope this one is now on the road to recovery.. :)
 
Tiddlypom said:
Tbf, the OP referred to this farrier as a 'bf trimmer' in her first post...
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so i hear and so it goes on.

i feel compelled to elaborate how many genuine EPs have invested money into being one rather like a degree and it does take four to five years to qualify and the teaching fees, whilst are reasonable, are required! It is not a 2-day course like some small-minded individuals elude to!! You actually have to do farriery!!

So cross that a farrier could do this and then trimmers get blame.

Oh, and I don not one EP who went to college as sunch... all had challenging horses for whom they gave everything to change careers and do the very best, borne out of desperate lack of knowledge in the conventional equine community.
 
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Just to add he is a registered DIPwcf seemed to have really good reviews , I know I'm a fool for not checking things out but presumed with that much experience and a qualification that things wouldn't go wrong! I will be using the recommended one in future ( thanks ester )
 
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