Corrective trimming / corrective hoof boots?

haejilnyeok

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30 January 2017
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Just wondering what everyone's experiences are with barefoot transitioning for horses that require corrective shoeing?

My mare (7yo) was always barefoot until about 18 months ago after I moved to a new yard and she wasn't wearing evenly in front. The more abrasive arena surface was taking more off her feet than what I liked so I shod her in front only until 6 months later a vet said she'd benefit from corrective shoeing behind to help straighten her up (nothing drastic, just a thicker wing to the outside of she shoe to give her more traction).

I was happy with the difference the hind shoes made so I've kept them on until 6 weeks ago when I pulled them off for her winter break at grass.

I've read so many benefits of keeping horses barefoot and was honestly quite annoyed I felt I had to shoe her in the first place so I'd love to transition her back however, I'm worried she won't have the support she's used to with the winged hind shoes.

Is there such a thing as corrective trimming and/or corrective hoof boots I could avail of as an alternative?


She's had a lot of issues since I bought her (both barefoot and shod) but I feel keeping the shoes off will help if her feet can act as nature intended?

She's also absolutely lethal for kicking out at other horses so when she was shod behind I've had to turn her put solo which makes me feel terrible as she loves having company but I obviously can't risk injury to her or my yard owners horses.

Any advice is welcome. I just feel a bit lost at the moment but I feel I need to make an informed decision now before she comes in from her holidays so we can hopefully hit the ground running.
 

FitzyFitz

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29 July 2019
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You can do a lot with trimming, but you can only take away. If she is wearing her feet excessively you could always boot for arena work?

For the hinds, you'd have to ask your vet and farrier, you can do a lot to rebalance a foot and limb with trimming, but if she does still need the extra bit on the side you might be stuck with it for a bit. Likely not forever though!
 
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