First horse - Working with bruised soles

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PonyGirl05

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My section D has been barefoot since January/February and had been doing fine hacking on roads, tracks and schooling. I had to take 6 weeks off riding in June, and she got a holiday in the field for that time. She was in work again 6 weeks, all ok.

Steady ride on the beach 2 weeks ago, and shes bruised both front feet. Ive not been on her since, and shes just turned out. Im going to see how she is tomorrow and ride her in the paddock, but may end up giving her another week off.

Ive got some Keratex, and was wondering when the best time to apply it is. Do i need to wait for the bruising to all come out first, or can I apply it now? It was pretty bad after a few days, youd think she had been hammered over hard ground!

Also, facilities are limited. We have paddocks, no menage and lots of roads/stony tracks.

Has the time off, and then trim softened her feet again? Hows the best way to start getting her used to the ground again?

If it becomes a recurrent issue, im considering boots, but how are they for road work? I also noticed that our farrier hasnt balanced her front feet properly, and she now looks pidgeon toed!!!
 
ycbm said:
Why do you think it is bruised feet rather than laminitis, which sounds more likely?
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The vet has been out to look at her, and no issue. Her weight is controlled, there are no pulses, or the typical lameness associated with laninitis. We also have a very bald field!
 
Just because. Its cheaper, and more natural. Her feet were always great when was previously barefoot. She only had front shoes for 2 years for studs for BSJ. Ive had her 9 months, but know her history, as my friend had her from 2yo
 
amymay said:
What's the reason for her being barefoot?
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Odd question Amy? Why shoe a horse that doesn't need shoes?

OP some vets are not at all up to date about low grade laminitis. The horse doesn't need to be fat or have any other symptoms than sore feet. In the absence of any bruise marks I would treat her as if she has lgl if she was mine, and see how her feet are then. And if they don't get better I would treat her for Cushings, which is the cause of a lot of footie horses.
 
The vets that came out are specialist equine vets, as opposed to your little coubtry practice who treat various large animals. I think between me and a friend weve written most local places off, and weve been really happy with these guys. Saved a few of her past horses when everywhere else had given up in the past.

That aside, the bridleway to the beach has some big railway type stones, some sharp bits, and although we took it steady, and avoided rocky parts, when possible there was a few river crossings. You can clearly see bruising caused by trauma, and she was lame the day after this. Im fairly certain bruising is the cause.

Sorry if Ive left info out of the original post, just come back from a weekend away, and im completely pooped. Im only on here now as its been playing on my mind.
 
Ground is very hard, bruising can take some weeks to heal. Boots are good - contact Liz at Hoof Boutique and have a chat with her. If you want to try some boots, you send Liz some photos and measurements (she'll tell you what she needs) and what you want to do riding-wise, details on your horse and your riding ground and she'll recommend some boots and send them to you for a hire fee for (1 or 2 weeks). You may well find in boots that your pony is sound because the soles are then both raised off the ground and cushioned/protected by the boot. If you decide to keep the boots, you pay the balance, if not you send them back and have only spent the hire fee.

Probably only need front boots too.
 
PS I woudn't keratex because the hoof is already bruised so you'll be sealing the bruise (and any possible abscesses) in. Better to let nature/time do its healing, and then use boots or build up the foot's hardness through the work you do and the diet she's on. (so you create a strong barefoot from the inside, rather than try to from the outside).
 
Suechoccy said:
PS I woudn't keratex because the hoof is already bruised so you'll be sealing the bruise (and any possible abscesses) in. Better to let nature/time do its healing, and then use boots or build up the foot's hardness through the work you do and the diet she's on. (so you create a strong barefoot from the inside, rather than try to from the outside).
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Thanks. I was looking at hoofboutique earlier. This was also my concern about using keratex now, rather than waiting.

So glad i posted. Were on track for now, and if im concerned or anything changes, ill certainly question lami.
 
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