Some more barefoot advice for some sensitive soles!

mischamoo

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I'm seeking some more helpful advice from you!

Had back shoes taken off both my neddies this week, gave them both a few days off work to adjust to their back shoes being off and they spent a few days turned out in my fields.

One of them came in hopping lame yesterday to the point i was so worried, I had the vet out. Vet dug a bit of hoof and found a red bruise on the sole of the hoof - he suspected neddy had stepped on a stone or root in the field, shes now on box rest and where possible I've been cold hosing her hoof to ease the bruising - vet said to give a few days rest and reasses mid week and if still hopping lame then to re-examine in case theres a abcess brewing or possible pedal bone fracture :(

So at the moment we're treating for a bruise - can anyone help with the recovery for this and any solutions to harden sensitive soles up - vet also thinks my farrier has trimmed her back feet too short which probably hasnt helped :(

Other neddie seems to be coping quite well and took him for a ride round the field and a slow walk back down the lane - seemed quite footy and unsure walking down the lane - any suggestions to help with this?

I must add that both have typical TB feet - fairly thin soles and low heels - i feel awful that they're possibly being uncomfortable from having back shoes off but would like to persist with it if at all possible - do I need to give plenty of time and get a good hoof hardener? Both are on a molasses free chaff/micronised linseed and high fibre cubes and are out 24/7 with access to grass and hay in the fields.

Any helpful advice to assist with a comfortable transition for them would be really appreciated!!!
 
I can't say how long it will take for the bruise to resolve but helping the horse grow thicker soles is imo a way forward. Diet, comfortable movement and taking account of surfaces or using protection is probably a good tack to take to avoid further bruising which can lead to abscessing.
Pm Oberon for her diet sheet and keep off stones or use pads/boots if stones are unavoidable. These are good for non work protection, easy to apply and take off. http://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/Boots/Hoof-Wraps-Hoof-Bandage

Diet is going to be key, low sugars (including in grazing and hays) and good appropriate mineral supplementation. If things aren't progressing consider blood for PPID (Cushings).

Here's some short articles you might find helpful. More detailed ones on his main site. http://www.hoofrehab.com/HorsebackMagazineArticles..html
 
I can't say how long it will take for the bruise to resolve but helping the horse grow thicker soles is imo a way forward. Diet, comfortable movement and taking account of surfaces or using protection is probably a good tack to take to avoid further bruising which can lead to abscessing.
Pm Oberon for her diet sheet and keep off stones or use pads/boots if stones are unavoidable. These are good for non work protection, easy to apply and take off. http://www.equinepodiatrysupplies.co.uk/Boots/Hoof-Wraps-Hoof-Bandage

Diet is going to be key, low sugars (including in grazing and hays) and good appropriate mineral supplementation. If things aren't progressing consider blood for PPID (Cushings).

Here's some short articles you might find helpful. More detailed ones on his main site. http://www.hoofrehab.com/HorsebackMagazineArticles..html

Thank you amandap - have already spoken to Oberon about diet sheets and she has kindly sent me some. The vet did suggest about investing in some decent boots so will look into that - I'm avoiding all stony/hard surfaces at the moment and sticking to field and manege use while they adjust.

Thanks v much for the reply.
 
Would double check your high fibre cubes, many of them have molasses in!

Possibly try the Pro Hoof supplement off ebay?
 
Would double check your high fibre cubes, many of them have molasses in!

Possibly try the Pro Hoof supplement off ebay?

Ooohhh yes have just checked and they do!! Its the Baileys High Fibre Everyday ones - right thank you for that. And yes thank you have just ordered some Pro Balance +
 
I know eventing friends have iced their horses feet to help with bruising after their horses have lost shoes Xc during a 3 day event, that might help :)
 
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