Newly barefoot - 'is this normal?' picture...

Sorry, photo proved more complicated than anticipated! - post now edited and pic should be public.

Thank you, that's a very good rule for me... I'm hoping/assuming this is purely aesthetic!
 
That is a big chunk. However it does look to be up to the nail holes and it's not unusual for that area to break off with a newly deshod horse.
 
Sorry, missed your post before I replied. I did wonder about that... With what sort of implement should one approach 'chopping it off'!?
 
The chunk is on the quarters. You can see the growth rings are pushed up into an arc above the chunk that is talking off. The poor horse has been desperate to lose some hoof in this area, and eventually you should see the arcs drop down as the quarters can function properly again.
 
I love seeing nature work on hooves. I just posted on another thread about my boys chipping feet (and the fact a friend told me to shoe my horse immediately! :p). He has been bare for 2 years, and on seriously increasing his work load the last 6 weeks, the growth of his hooves has also increased. In turn, he has started to chip off the horn that isn't needed. Looking at his hoof on the ground, it doesn't look very pretty, but if you pick it up and look at the sole, it is lovely and balanced and he has trimmed it to what he needs :) Horses really are quite well equipped (if you give them the right surfaces and stimulation) to look after their own feet.

Disclaimer! I do have the trimmer come every 10 weeks to check them over and tidy them up :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top