How are we looking?

Photobucket is being very awkward *grrrrr* but from what it's let me see, it looks like you're on the right path. I'd make sure that the frogs are thrush free - the one I could see looked a bit raggy in places, perfect for thrush to try to take hold in - and then keep going. :)
 
NellRosk said:
Silly question but why are his toes so squared off?
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Not a silly question. :) If you look at the hoof above, there is growth on all the hoof wall (which could be trimmed off), except for the toe. This is because the horse has worn the toe back to the breakover point. This is one of the main benefits of not wearing shoes IE if you do enough roadwork/abrasive surface work the breakover point stays correct.

RE the potential thrush - I think you're doing the right thing making sure it doesn't happen and I would leave the black patch alone, but keep an eye on it. It should just grow out.

RE Hoof boots - yes, use them when he needs them and don't use them when he doesn't. :)
 
Faracat said:
Not a silly question. :) If you look at the hoof above, there is growth on all the hoof wall (which could be trimmed off), except for the toe. This is because the horse has worn the toe back to the breakover point. This is one of the main benefits of not wearing shoes IE if you do enough roadwork/abrasive surface work the breakover point stays correct.
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Ah right so it's a good thing? :) My gelding has squared his toes off at the back and I was wondering why!
 
If the horse is dragging his hooves, rather than picking them up nicely, then that wouldn't be so good. It's worth getting someone to lead your horse past you, so that you can really study his footfall. Videoing him and looking frame by frame is also interesting.
 
Faracat said:
If the horse is dragging his hooves, rather than picking them up nicely, then that wouldn't be so good. It's worth getting someone to lead your horse past you, so that you can really study his footfall. Videoing him and looking frame by frame is also interesting.
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My mum rode him at the weekend so I could get the youngster out and I rode by her side and looked down, he has a nice heel first landing and definitely isn't toe dragging :)
 
Thanks :) I had the same worry about him squaring those toes off - vet had a look when his jabs were done and said his back legs and a bit straight and he has a jumpers bump so possible SI issues but nothing wrong at the moment! He toe drags when he's being lazy - if I work him properly he doesn't do it at all :)
 
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