Riding and long hooves

[[155011]]

My farrier will be 10 days late for shoeing my horse, the feet are still good but starting to look a little long
Since I don't know if i can get the hold of another farrier would be best to not ride in the meantime or doing very minimal ridden work?
Thank you

 

[Red-1]

You sound very caring.

There has been research to show how just a little overgrown and out of balance puts a surprisingly large amount if extra leverage on the foot and leg structures.

If the horse is generally healthy, 10 days would not scare me too much, but I would be doing work that is well within the horse's capability whenever they look over grown. For example, not jumping, galloping or trotting on the roads, and not excessive work at whatever you usually do.

I generally get mine done every 5 weeks, when they are shod.

 

[splashgirl45]

i wouldnt worry too much but as red 1 has said no jumping or excessive work. just keep him ticking over rather than not riding at all..

 

[[155011]]

You sound very caring.

There has been research to show how just a little overgrown and out of balance puts a surprisingly large amount if extra leverage on the foot and leg structures.

If the horse is generally healthy, 10 days would not scare me too much, but I would be doing work that is well within the horse's capability whenever they look over grown. For example, not jumping, galloping or trotting on the roads, and not excessive work at whatever you usually do.

I generally get mine done every 5 weeks, when they are shod.

He's a 4yo dressage horse, i ride 4/5 times a week but i generally do 40/50 minutes of walk around the stable (on grass/road/sand arena) and then im doing only 10/15 min of trot and 5 minutes canter, he's not working much now

 

[[155011]]

i wouldnt worry too much but as red 1 has said no jumping or excessive work. just keep him ticking over rather than not riding at all..

I wanted to up photo of his feet but the forum doesn't let me

 

[ycbm]

I would be less worried if he was Spanish like your user name, with compact Iberian feet, than if he has bigger flatter feet. Ten days should be OK if you keep the work steady.
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[[155011]]

I would be less worried if he was Spanish like your user name, with compact Iberian feet, than if he has bigger flatter feet. Ten days should be OK if you keep the work steady.
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Nono he's a warmblood

 

[ycbm]

I'd keep the work low key then.
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[[155011]]

You sound very caring.

There has been research to show how just a little overgrown and out of balance puts a surprisingly large amount if extra leverage on the foot and leg structures.

If the horse is generally healthy, 10 days would not scare me too much, but I would be doing work that is well within the horse's capability whenever they look over grown. For example, not jumping, galloping or trotting on the roads, and not excessive work at whatever you usually do.

I generally get mine done every 5 weeks, when they are shod.

 

[[155011]]

As you can see it's a little overgrown on the side, which is a little concerning

 

[Red-1]

@ycbm is more the hoof expert than me but, especially if this is a warmblood, I would be very worried about this foot. At that shape I can't see how they are functioning correctly.

If this horse has been shod by the same person for some time, I would get a second opinion. It looks like he goes way longer than 5 weeks between shoeings.

If he were mine, I would be taking the shoes off and doing a barefoot rehab, starting with walking out in hand.

I'm sorry of my view is not welcome.

 

[milliepops]

They don't look like they've gone too long between shoeings (no raised clenches etc) but agree they don't look *well shod*

 

[[155011]]

@ycbm is more the hoof expert than me but, especially if this is a warmblood, I would be very worried about this foot. At that shape I can't see how they are functioning correctly.

If this horse has been shod by the same person for some time, I would get a second opinion. It looks like he goes way longer than 5 weeks between showings.

If he were mine, I would b taking the shoes off and doing a barefoot rehab, starting with walking out in hand.

I'm sorry of my view is not welcome.

He goes 7 weeks between shoeing, he's been shod since February for growth reasons (his feet were starting to get clubbed and needed the shoe)

 

[Red-1]

They don't look like they've gone too long between shoeings (no raised clenches etc) but agree they don't look *well shod*

I meant more long term. I like to give the farrier the benefit of the doubt, I know some people go 12 weeks between shootings, and in that instance the foot will grow forward as the farrier can't safely take enough off at each shoeing.

Of course, it could also be that the farrier has taken their eye off the ball, or that the horse has something else going on.

 

[[155011]]

They don't look like they've gone too long between shoeings (no raised clenches etc) but agree they don't look *well shod*

Two vets saw him in July and didn't have anything to say about the shoeing

 

[[155011]]

@ycbm is more the hoof expert than me but, especially if this is a warmblood, I would be very worried about this foot. At that shape I can't see how they are functioning correctly.

If this horse has been shod by the same person for some time, I would get a second opinion. It looks like he goes way longer than 5 weeks between showings.

If he were mine, I would b taking the shoes off and doing a barefoot rehab, starting with walking out in hand.

I'm sorry of my view is not welcome.

Also, what do you mean functioning correctly? I know he has a lot of heels and not a long toe but that doesn't mean it's wrong?

 

[Red-1]

He goes 7 weeks between shoeing, he's been shod since February for growth reasons (his feet were starting to get clubbed and needed the shoe)

Having seen the foot, I would have a shorter shoeing cycle, were I not to do a barefoot rehab.

 

[Red-1]

Also, what do you mean functioning correctly? I know he has a lot of heels and not a long toe but that doesn't mean it's wrong?

The shoe has been carried forwards and is no longer bearing the weight far enough back. This will create long term issues.

I have had success with barefoot rehab to reshape a foot, but am not knowledgeable enough to advise.

 

[[155011]]

I meant more long term. I like to give the farrier the benefit of the doubt, I know some people go 12 weeks between shootings, and in that instance the foot will grow forward as the farrier can't safely take enough off at each shoeing.

Of course, it could also be that the farrier has taken their eye off the ball, or that the horse has something else going on.

Show me what do you mean for a horse well shod

 

[[155011]]

The shoe has been carried forwards and is no longer bearing the weight far enough back. This will create long term issues.

I have had success with barefoot rehab to reshape a foot, but am not knowledgeable enough to advise.

So what you're telling me is what I was asking in the first question, since the hood is grown but the farrier is late it's better to not ride him until his shod again?

 

[Red-1]

Show me what do you mean for a horse well shod

It wasn't me who made that comment, but I find this website good to get an eye on improving hoof shape and function.

https://www.hoofrehab.com/Rehabilitations_Pictures.html

 

[Red-1]

So what you're telling me is what I was asking in the first question, since the hood is grown but the farrier is late it's better to not ride him until his shod again?

I am saying that I am no expert, and that other forum members would know better, but I don't think one trim would bring this foot back into balance. I think it needs a shorter shoeing interval than 7 weeks.

 

[[155011]]

I am saying that I am no expert, and that other forum members would know better, but I don't think one trim would bring this foot back into balance. I think it needs a shorter shoeing interval than 7 weeks.

So you're not an expert but you're telling me from two photos that the hoof is out of balance?
I know that know people will come and say that you're right, this forums love too much to say that you're horse is broken and to put to sleep just from one photo.

 

[Red-1]

So you're not an expert but you're telling me from two photos that the hoof is out of balance?
I know that know people will come and say that you're right, this forums love too much to say that you're horse is broken and to put to sleep just from one photo.

How rude. This is a discussion forum, you asked a question and I answered, with my opinion and what I would do.

If you wanted an expert view, why not ask your farrier or vet rather than start a discussion on a discussion forum?

I don't see anyone saying to PTS your horse.

 

[Gloi]

I didn't want to say but the whole hoof looks very long, far more than one shoeing cycle too long. in the view from the front you can see a deviation appearing in the coronary band and in the event lines around the hoof.
Ask the farrier about it when he comes.

 

[windand rain]

Looks like it is trying very hard to grow but needs either to go barefoot or be trimmed more often the curved event line would concern me the foot has grown considerably more at the toe the break over looks too long too. 5 to 6 weeks might bring it back in balance after a few visits but my concern would be riding too much might encourage a spread at the event line, I guess if you are happy his feet are improving that is up to you. How long have you owned him and is the farrier a work in progress or a long term fixture

 

[angel7]

To answer your question no don't ride the horse with these feet.
The shoe looks too small for the foot. The horse is on stilts with the height of those heels. The back third of the foot is unsupported by the shoe.
The toe is so long it is deviating the coronary band at the top.
Get a different farrier to remove the shoes and trim the foot back, it looks like the horse grows alot of foot. Work the horse on different surfaces and leave the shoes off. Do not take the word of a vet on the feet condition of a horse, educate yourself.

 

[ycbm]

OK I wasn't going to comment without being asked but since this discussion is well in now, I'll say that the fact your farrier is 10 days late and the foot is slightly over at the side is the least of the problems with those feet.

If you want me to explain, I will. But for now I will leave it that a shoeing cycle of 7 weeks is far to long for your horse and your farrier is doing you a disservice so bad that you will be lucky if your horse stays sound long term.

I am not, and don't claim to be, a hoof expert, but it doesn't take one to see this. You should have been able to trust your farrier but I'm afraid they've let you and your horse down.
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[Tiddlypom]

I don't see anyone saying to PTS your horse.

Quite. The farrier, on the other hand...

The horse is only 4. If you want a sound horse for the future you need a much better hoof care professional on board, whether that is a farrier or a trimmer. That is a shockingly bad example of farriery.

 

[ycbm]

The horse is only 4.

Jesus, I missed that bit! ?
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