3OldPonies
Well-Known Member
Hello everyone, its a while since I posted anything and I could do with some words of H&H wisdom.
Before I start, I'm not trying to replace vet advice or anything like that, I just want to run this past you and see what you all think.
So, I am about to potentially take on a 17 year old with very low grade coffin joint arthritis. He has been lame (1/10th), has had injections, but not the steroid type and his vet has said he's OK for light hacking but no more competitions. All I want is something to hack 2 - 3 times a week and a companion for my old boy who has been on his own since February. His YO tells me that the xrays show little in the way of change at present and there could be at least 5 years hacking if care is taken.
I love having my boys barefoot, I think in light work there is no need for shoes and it helps their mobility longer term because of the reduced effects of concussion, also my field ain't huge and shoes do rip the ground up so badly in winter!! So, do you think that barefoot might help this pony? I'm happy to keep him shod if, but I do wonder if the concussion caused by wearing shoes could accelerate the effects of the arthritis?
Before I start, I'm not trying to replace vet advice or anything like that, I just want to run this past you and see what you all think.
So, I am about to potentially take on a 17 year old with very low grade coffin joint arthritis. He has been lame (1/10th), has had injections, but not the steroid type and his vet has said he's OK for light hacking but no more competitions. All I want is something to hack 2 - 3 times a week and a companion for my old boy who has been on his own since February. His YO tells me that the xrays show little in the way of change at present and there could be at least 5 years hacking if care is taken.
I love having my boys barefoot, I think in light work there is no need for shoes and it helps their mobility longer term because of the reduced effects of concussion, also my field ain't huge and shoes do rip the ground up so badly in winter!! So, do you think that barefoot might help this pony? I'm happy to keep him shod if, but I do wonder if the concussion caused by wearing shoes could accelerate the effects of the arthritis?