Hoot Hooves

wellsat

wellsat

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 May 2010
Messages
1,950
Visit site
G is ten days into being barefoot due to a foot balance problem but is doing really well, his feet are looking a much better shape and he's got more heel already.

Unfortunately he came in tonight with heat in his rf and lh. There is no digital pulse and no footiness in walk although he does show a few slightly lame strides in trot.

Any ideas? I can't think he would have an abcess in two feet at once?

I know LGL is a possibility but then I would expect him to be a little footy in walk?

Lo calorie soya youghurt for all helpful suggestions:p
 
This happens quite commonly after the first week.

Some people say it is the return of the full circulation post shoes (ever gone into a hot shower when you've been icy cold? - ouch!)

Some people say it's nerves that have been pinched and compressed coming back to life and it's like a sensory overload.

Some people (usually Strasser trained) say it's dead tissue within the hoof that is being remodelled and expelled.

Some people say it's proof that horses need shoes.

This is why I always advocate excess caution or boots in the first few weeks/months - even when horses seem to be fine from day 1.

Just keep an eye on pulses. Keep him on soft ground or smooth tarmac and take it slow.
 
The increase in expansion and contraction when the shoes are removed is very great, this will lead to heat and biomechanical changes that will also be part of the chain reaction thus more heat.
The conditions the horse is on will also determine the degree of effect this has.
What you have is very common, it should be monitored and assessed regularly, it is good to make sure there is no conflicted within the hoof capsule in relation to the outer wall, that is do make sure the break-over and heel levels are sympathetic to the action of the horse.
Don’t forget you have just started down the road, the foot that is going to be the most relevant to your future needs is only just starting to be produced at the top of the hoof, likewise with the sole.
And although you should have good efficient barefoot feet long before the new ones arrive at ground level, please be patient as the wait is worth it.
 
Thanks for the reassurance.

I'm fairly sure I'm not overdoing it with him. I'm not riding him yet while I give his feet a chance to adjust, just giving him a steady walk in hand round the yard each night to give his feet stimulation. I'm not pushing the pace either with the walking, I let him mooch along next to me and if he indicates that he's had enough and wants to go back in his stable he goes back. This means we are tending to do 20 - 30 mins a night at the moment which we have gradually built up to from 5 mins the first night. He's out in his field during the day but being a typical German bred WB he would rather be in his stable and I'm told he spends most of the day standing at the gate looking hopeful.

I haven't bought him boots yet as he's off to Rockley farm next week so hopefully his feet will be changing shape alot. I've decided not to hack him for now as we live on quite a busy road and I don't want to have to trot him on the road to get out of the way of traffic until he's ready.

Does that all sound sensible management? He's not got a heel first landing yet, more off a flat splat but he is leaving lovely little frog prints as he walks :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top