Barefoot needs more Heels

[HorsesRule2009]

Hi all,

My horse us barefoot and we are just coming through the otherside if hick arthritis and having had them medicated, I noticed the vet has written needs more heel in her report.
Is this achievable barefoot or am I likely to need to have him shod?

Thank you

 

[FFAQ]

You may find that sorts itself out now the hock discomfort is under control, as the horse should start loading the hind feet more 'normally'. In the meantime, scoot do a 3 degree wedge pad that you could put in some boots if the xrays are showing flat/negative pedal bones

 

[Highmileagereindeer]

Maybe try hoofboots with pads. You need to get gentle pressure on the frog, which is designed to 'kiss' the ground as the foot is placed. As the frog starts to work properly it will trigger heel development, providing that the hock lesions do not prevent correct placing of the foot.

 

[ycbm]

Can you tell us why the vet says he needs more heel? If there aren't x rays showing a negative P3 angle then I'd be inclined to leave well alone and see what happens as FFAQ says.

Could we have some side on photos taken with the camera getting its bottom dirty on the floor?

 

[WestCoast]

I would ask the vet what they mean and for advice on how to achieve this.

 

[Gloi]

I would ask the vet what they mean and for advice on how to achieve this.

But if the vet say he needs shoeing in wedges or bar shoes run a mile.