Shoeing a 6yr old for the first time?

[Corona]

Posting for a friend horse has gotten to the stage where he now needs shoes due to his general foot conformation (low heels and long toes). He has always just been trimmed. She's anxious at having shoes put on him for the first time, as would lameness be expected afterwards? Or are they sometimes a little footsore? Just wondering what is to be expected with a first set of shoes on? Hes recently passed a 5 stage vetting and xrays. Legs x rays fine, feet however need shoes on. Any help much appreciated x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I would try a different farrier/trimmer and try to improve the shape of the hooves without shoes. Once the hooves are balanced, if the horse really does need shoes, then I would shoe but I wouldn't expect any soreness.

 

[Zuzan]

Posting for a friend horse has gotten to the stage where he now needs shoes due to his general foot conformation (low heels and long toes). He has always just been trimmed. She's anxious at having shoes put on him for the first time, as would lameness be expected afterwards? Or are they sometimes a little footsore? Just wondering what is to be expected with a first set of shoes on? Hes recently passed a 5 stage vetting and xrays. Legs x rays fine, feet however need shoes on. Any help much appreciated x

Agree with Faracat.. I think the hooves need to be managed better.. the low heel / long toe is not a conformation problem so much as a diet / environment / work and trimming problem.. get these balanced and the hoof should become a better form... find someone who can help the foot properly

 

[flipthelid]

In answer to your questions, no the horse should not be lame or footsore afterwards. My mare was first shod at 5, just in front and she was absolutely fine afterwards, just picked her feet up very high for a few strides when I led her away!

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Horses should not b foot sore after shoeing or trimming, however should and aren't are different things. Tbh shoes will not 'fix' the foot issues and this really needs to b addressed first. If shoes r then required then shoe but if trimmed properly and diet/management appropriate shoes shouldn't b needed anyways. Hope it works out. X

 

[Dolcé]

I would agree that there seems to be a trimming issue going on rather than confirmation. That is not to say that shoes won't be needed anyway but the feet should really be sorted out with correct trimming first. IME there has never been any soreness following a first time shoeing.

 

[tallyho!]

I would not shoe to that foot conformation. There is something else going on in there and shoes will make it worse over time. She must sort out the trimming and the hoof health. Why is growing that way? Something is making the hoof structures weak. It could be the trim, it could be diet and long toes flat heels seem to suggest both are in need of a change.