help - back shoes

[vicksey]

Ive just had my cobs back shoes taken off on advise from the farrier. He has great feet, but his ankles have swollen and he feels very stiff all over, even on the front. Not lame or unhappy, but taking very short and stiff steps. I have been advised not to rush and get the shoes put back immediately, but to allow him to get used to it over the next few weeks. Just wondering how long I should leave it before I get his shoes back on if this continues. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

 

[catherinep]

Hi,

I took back shoes off my cob some years ago (got new horse and didn't want him kicking it to smithereens!). In fact, he is much happier unshod behind and the swollen ankles that he also used to suffer from have disappeared altgether (he managed to get 2 identical injuries on both hind fetlocks by simply twisting them somehow - not a tendon issue, but soft tissue issues). My farrier said not to bother to re-shoe him behind - he is shod in front and regularly trimmed but is in full work and absolutely fine. Just be sensible about riding on uneven/stoney ground.

Good luck!

 

[piebaldsparkle]

No help sorry, but my cob had all four removed about 3 weeks ago and seems normal.

 

[amandaco2]

sounds footsore.does he normally get swollen legs?has he changed feeds or had less turnout?
horses can take from 0 days to 6months to get used to being shoeless.

 

[Nailed]

That too me seems to have nothing at all to do with the shoe removal... The shoes in question are hinds, and bear little weight and therefore rarly get foot sore.. The shape and structure of the hind also dictate for stronger feet.. Is there anything else that could of triggered this discomfort?

Lou x