Contracted heels

[spotty_pony]

Hi, not sure whether this is the correct term for what I am describing but recently (over the last couple of months) I have noticed that one of his front hooves seems to have got 'deeper' either side of the frog. There didn't used to be much of a gap between the frog and the shoe but now the gap is a lot bigger. What could be the cause of this and should I be concerned? Should I talk to my farrier about it? I don't want to offend him because he has done my horses for years and I've never had any problems!

Any advice much appreciated

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Pics would b good to get a better understanding of wot u mean? X

 

[little MJ]

Could be thrush? Pictures would be best.

 

[Andalucian]

either way, discuss it with your farrier, its your horse and you are ultimately responsible for making the best choices for it. Just talking about an observation shouldn't be a problem with any reputable farrier. In fact he should be glad you are so interested.