Barefoot Pics

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Since We can now get out riding I will do a little update Its been too icy up here to do much so with the lovely cold sunshine we went a hack

On the soles of the front feet Is that bruising? they are a little pink and if so I take it this will be the hard ground he would have had in the field?


Fronts

Hinds

He was sound out our hack, a little footy over stones cast over the tarmac but he was trotting forwards happily

 

[TwoStroke]

If he's sound, that's the important part . A little footiness over the toughest surfaces is not the end of the world, especially as you haven't yet iirc grown in a full new hoof capsule since going barefoot. The pink bits are bruising, which could be caused by hooning around over frozen ground. Bearing in mind the slight footiness, just be aware that there could be other underlying causes (diet related). So if the problem persists then perhaps re-evaluate. But for now, crack on!

Looking at some previous pics, that extra bar-type material along the side of the collateral grooves has popped back up after being trimmed; I would therefore advise you to ask the farrier/trimmer to leave it next time, as it's obviously serving a purpose (even if farrier/trimmer is not sure what! ).

The delamination should resolve once the barefoot-growth reaches the floor; if it doesn't then again; re-evaluate.

But for now - keep up the good work .

 

[StoptheCavalry]

My horse had a little faint pink bruising on the sole of his white foot, the trimmer came out as normal and said this was due to the really hard frost we had had as he was completely sound so may possibly be the same

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

If he's sound, that's the important part . A little footiness over the toughest surfaces is not the end of the world, especially as you haven't yet iirc grown in a full new hoof capsule since going barefoot. The pink bits are bruising, which could be caused by hooning around over frozen ground. Bearing in mind the slight footiness, just be aware that there could be other underlying causes (diet related). So if the problem persists then perhaps re-evaluate. But for now, crack on!

Looking at some previous pics, that extra bar-type material along the side of the collateral grooves has popped back up after being trimmed; I would therefore advise you to ask the farrier/trimmer to leave it next time, as it's obviously serving a purpose (even if farrier/trimmer is not sure what! ).

The delamination should resolve once the barefoot-growth reaches the floor; if it doesn't then again; re-evaluate.

But for now - keep up the good work .

Thank you

Hes on very little feed wise at the min just enough VV and alfalfa to get his hoof and joint sup into him, amounting to half a cup of VV and double handful of alfalfa, the rest is what hes getting off the field (4 acres rough mixed grazing) and hes looking well for an oldie living out mostly although at the minute hes in at night due to being a bit off last week

I will speak to the farrier about leaving the bars alone, I was worried about the hoof wall being in three layers but I take it thats fine? Farrier wasnt worried but I treat the frogs bith bactakil three times a week so i have been spraying it on the tatty bit as well

My horse had a little faint pink bruising on the sole of his white foot, the trimmer came out as normal and said this was due to the really hard frost we had had as he was completely sound so may possibly be the same

thanks glad to know he isnt alone

 

[ridefast]

I've heard alfalfa isn't very good for hooves, so if the footyness continues it could be that?

 

[TwoStroke]

The three layer hoof wall is the delamination I mentioned. I wouldn't stress about it whilst you've still got old growth hitting the ground... If it starts to affect the hoof that's grown since you went barefoot & started feeding minerals, then it may need investigating.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Thanks TTD

Im hopefully going on a ride with friends after Xmas and im hoping he will be fine without his boots but going to take them anyway, he hasnt had them on so far, I was thinking then next time its frozen to put them on for turnout as Ill bring him in at night if so, or would it be better just to leave him as only a part of the field is a bit bumpy the rest is longish grass so rather spongey een when frosty.

 

[JennyNZ]

I've heard alfalfa isn't very good for hooves, so if the footyness continues it could be that?

My BF horses get lucerne chaff every day. About 500 gms. It's a good source of protein and calcium.

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

My BF horses get lucerne chaff every day. About 500 gms. It's a good source of protein and calcium.

It is (and is a good match for chopped straw used together with it in chaff as the straw is very low in both), but some barefoot peeps do think it isnt good for lami prone horses - tho Im not sure whether the cause of the problems they notice is tied down to something specific about alfalfa, or they just stop using it as horse reacts to it lami wise or behaviourally.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Yeah I was wondering about that, I switched him to plain unmolassed alfalfa from readigrass (for all he's actually getting) as it was deemed a better idea also I like the fact that alfalfa is higher in cool energy (for my guys anyway I know there are those who don't react well to it!) And will give him extra hacking energy

Also I was sent a link about formula for feet as a general supp rather than a hoof supp, anyone any the wiser to this? I feed equimins hoofmender and a joint supp but someone recommended this for the summer as something I can feed soaked with the joint supp