Flat feet - i need to know

[moneypit1]

My new boy has severe flat feet at the front. He looks 2/10th lame on the front in trot. What can be done about this? Bless him, I just want to help him, what can I do?

 

[conniegirl]

a good remedial farrier can do wonders for them

 

[redmerl]

My ned has flat feet too and has gel inserts for support.

Call to the farrier I think!!

Good look with him

 

[Coffee_Bean]

Remedial farriers I think.

 

[JessPickle]

I think heart bar shoes commonly used on lamenetics are supposed to help but you do need a good farrier for these. Also you can get gel pads put on to absorb impact, like these http://www.horseshoes.com/supplies/alphabet/thorobrd/en-us/dept_44.html

 

[moneypit1]

Are these the ones that are £15.00 a foot on top of shoeing??? I think I would only need the fronts doing, every 5 weeks approx. x

 

[JessPickle]

ours are £10-£15 extra I think, Pickle doesn't have them but lots of horses at my yard do, particulary the cobby types that struggle on hard ground. Also they don't have to be replaced every time, sometimes they last longer

 

[Bosworth]

have a look at Epona shoes - they have had amazing results on horses in the USA and they have just started coming into the UK. I know someone who has used them on her horse with outstanding results. They are full shoes that can either be glued on or nailed or both. They offer support all round and have a breathable material packed in to cover the whole of the sole. In theory that should help a flat footed horse.

However I do agree totally that a good farrier should be able to help you dramatically.

 

[Jane_Lou]

Is he shod at the moment? If not, you may find that getting him shod will lift him enough. Wide web shoes really help horses with flat soles and a friend with a TB with flat feet just has old fashioned leather pads, he has had them on for over 10 years now without a problem as I know a lot of poeple shy away from them siting probelms of abcesses etc but she has never had any problems and they are a lot cheaper than modern alternatives!

 

[sallypops]

abby has severe flat feet which has caused this severe bruising as far as we can make out, it'll be 4 weeks before i can put a shoe back on her

 

[Marchtime]

I have a TB with flat feet and paper thin soles. He cannot walk without shoes on. I've found a combination of natural balance shoes on his front feet and silicone gel pads in summer keep him sound. They aren't cheap and need replacing every shoeing but for me it's either that or a vet out every couple of weeks. I've also found the silicone pads tend to 'push' the sole up leaving him with higher soles after a couple of shoeings. A good understanding farrier is key. Also you could try a good supplement - whilst it won't help raise his soles it will help the quality of hoof. Mine is on formula 4 feet.

 

[scotsmare]

We have a mare with v. flat feet and she has just had heartbar shoes put on. Also recommend rubbing cornucresine into the feet and putting on a good supplement such as formula 4 feet.

 

[Nari]

Get the best farrier you can find & see what he recommends. If they seem to get worse or you're having problems then it may be worth getting x-rays done.

Also make a huge mental note to self never ever ever to buy another horse with flat feet! I certainly won't as all they seem to cause me is worry, expense & restrictions on his work.