Opinions on my 22yr olds feet please

[Jericho]

Has been barefoot for 5 months - no problems at all which is good other than a bit of hind toe dragging which seems to have sorted itself.

My problem is that my trimmer isnt very well at the moment and both my horses seem to be doing an excellent job of self trimming so I am not too worried about getting someone in to do them in the meantime. However it would be nice to get a view on my little 22 year old cob. His right fore does not seem particularly balanced when looking at it head on especially when walking forward (it turns out slightly). Should I leave him to it or should I be looking at getting a trimmer out to rebalance them (worried that this will make him very uncomfortable). I do rasp very gently the toes evenly when they get a bit long as he starts to trip a bit.

Would be grateful for any thoughts...

piccies (sorry the front shots dont show a great deal due to hair and I didnt realise they were that muddy!)

front right

front left

 

[cptrayes]

sorry Jericho, I think you need someone to see them in the flesh. Horses that are not straight normally need feet that are not straight, but only an experienced trimmer is going to be able to advise you properly. I wish I could help, but I don't feel I can.

Meanwhile, if he's sound and happy then I would leave the "imbalance" alone. I've recently taken on a horse who has been long term lame in shoes, and the sounder he gets the wierder shapes his feet are making.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

I have one with feet like yours except horse is a little pigeon toed, but they're the same eg wider on outside with an extra bit on the inside/front toe. I spent a few years trimming them round and even and symmetrical, only for him to continually make them like this a few weeks later. I now leave them and with sufficient roadwork they don't get any worse, they stay permanently like this. I guess its how he likes them. Without enough roadwork I have to remove the extra build up on the side/front of the toe to prevent horse tripping. I'm no kind of hoofcare expert, just know when the horse is happy and moving well.

 

[Jericho]

Thanks cpt - I am feeling guilty that no one has seen them for a few months whilst my trimmer (LP) is off ill and I don't really want to be disloyal to L during this time by using someone else so was putting off the fact that I really should get someone else out and not coast along until L is better - especially as both horses seem fine and are self trimming. I have tried to contact L but to no avail and i dont want to pester her. My other trouble is that i am having trouble finding another barefoot trimmer who covers the Essex/ Suffolk border anyway so even if I wanted someone to come out I can't find anyone!

 

[LucyPriory]

Howdy all - I'm still here! And if I remember correctly there is a twist in the leg which the foot is reflecting. Pls don't try and correct this. I've pm'd you.

 

[Cocorules]

Sorry nothing useful to add about hooves but I have a 22 year old and when she started dragging her back toes she had arthritis. You may want to get the vet to check him over next time they are out. Hopefully this is not the case for you but just thought I would mention it.

 

[pines of rome]

Thanks cpt - I am feeling guilty that no one has seen them for a few months whilst my trimmer (LP) is off ill and I don't really want to be disloyal to L during this time by using someone else so was putting off the fact that I really should get someone else out and not coast along until L is better - especially as both horses seem fine and are self trimming. I have tried to contact L but to no avail and i dont want to pester her. My other trouble is that i am having trouble finding another barefoot trimmer who covers the Essex/ Suffolk border anyway so even if I wanted someone to come out I can't find anyone!

I am in the same predicament as you as Lucy does my boy as well, it is hard coping on your own, I find it difficult as my horse has a lot of problems and I find I am constantly fretting about his feet!!!
If you send Lucy some photos she will be able to advice, so at least then you will know if everything is pretty much ok!