Hoof Flare and Mechanical Detachment Q's.

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Mitch&I

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Hi, I have a few questions about flares and the prognosis/ implications and would appreciate any advice.

In a pony who has forward flared fore hooves (from about 2/3 of the way down from the band), probably from overgrowth (has not seen farrier in 6+ months), at what point is there likely to be damage to the lamini/ coffin bone separation? If foundering comes into this, where so? (Although it is a smooth graduation into a flare, rather than a sharp angle).

What is the prognosis for flares of this kind (with a good remedial plan in place)? Could forward flares disguise (or maybe indicate) laminitis/ laminitic tendencies?

Alternatively, is it possible for overgrowth to cause no damage if remedied in time? If so, what could be considered 'in time'?

Any other thoughts on the matter?


n.b. This is not a pony I own but one I am interested in. I am struggling to find a farrier to carry out a hoof assessment for me (ten messages left with different farriers so far, no responses). I don't intend to vet (would cost more than the pony) and even if I decided to, I would still want to have a hoof assessment carried out first.

I will keep trying to engage the help of a farrier but am hoping someone can offer advice in the interim?
 
I would say that if he is genuinely sound on a hard surface/ on rough ground even with the feet in the state they are then the prognosis is probably fairly good and that as the top 1/3rd is growing well that it should not take too long to see a real improvement, it would not put me off buying if the pony seemed to be in good health generally and was priced correctly.
You may struggle to get a farrier to go out to give an assessment unless your regular farrier has time someone that you do not use may be reluctant to give an opinion as they will not have a disclaimer in place if they get it wrong, unlike vets who only have to state that at a certain time the horse was deemed "fit for purpose" if it all goes wrong the next day the client has little chance of any comeback or compensation unless they can prove negligence.
 
Thank you very much for responding. I had guessed liability might be a problem, although I would happily sign a disclaimer if only someone would would call me back to discuss! I am out of the horsey loop in my current area, so don't have a farrier to call my own, unfortunately. I am tempted to agree with you regarding condition and lameness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
 
Mitch&I said:
Thank you very much for responding.
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Good luck Mitch
 
Get in touch with the vet, they can do a basic vetting that is inexpensive (2 stage vetting) where they check heart, eyes and general appearance/way of going. They will then be able to give you their opinion on the feet. I would be worried about laminitis as if the horse has good laminar attachment the hoof tends to break away rather than flare, although if he is only kept on soft ground he might not get a chance to self trim much. I would take age into consideration as well, as if he is 15+ he could have PPID which I think brings on laminitis if left untreated and the medication would need to be budgeted for when considering taking on the pony.
And lastely, if vet opinion is positive and you decide to buy, the vet might be able to trim the pony straight away or recommend a good farrier.
 
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Thank you, Palindrome! I suppose I only really considered a 5 stage when I was debating whether to vet or not . A past horse unfortunately did have to be pts soon after full vet and purchase, with acute laminitis. Obviously, this doesn't deny the importance of vetting but admittedly, I haven't chosen to since. On less expensive ponies at least (and probably irrationally!) it has caused me to feel reluctant but I will certainly take your suggestion into consideration.

I am happy to report that on viewing the pony, the hooves were no where near as bad as the photo's seemed to indicate! Barely flared, strong little hooves which have self trimmed reasonably well (never shod and unlikely to have seen farrier often). No signs of discomfort or chronic or acute lami (normal heel growth, no rings, soles fine, no banging pulse, heat or lameness). In person, there wasn't anything which gave me cause to think twice. Nice movement, good conformation, good general health, not overweight or cresty. No signs of injury or illness. Generally bright eyed and bushy tailed!

Interestingly, I have also received from a barefoot trimmer, an offer to check her hooves over. Unfortunately, I think it would take a few weeks of work with me for her to let anyone poke and prod her to any extent! No-one has taught the poor thing how to 'pick up' yet, so she found my visit interesting, to say the least.
 
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