Taking off the Back Shoes! Product recommendations needed!!!

A

AnnaPK

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 February 2023
Messages
60
Visit site
AnnaPK said:
Farrier issues
When I bought my horse (2years now) he had his first farrier appointment with absolutely no issues. (This was March 2023) Since that first appointment, he has been awful, kicking out and very dangerous. for that reason, we sedate him.
Why the big change? Obviously, I'm unsure, but it could be pain-related as I had his hocks injected (December 2023) and again (Febuary 2025) although this seemed to make no difference to his behaviour around the farrier. In December 2023, I got him a full veterinary workup - nerve blockers, Ulcers, X-rays, all absolutely fine, and we decided then to do his hocks.
I accept that this is most likely, therefore, anticipation of pain, but I'm looking for advice on how to get back to how he was. I pick up his feet daily, not an issue at all. He is hot shod but won't even let the farrier pick his feet up! What do I do?!?!
Click to expand...
Well, a year later and I think I have gotten to the bottom of It!! I contacted his old owners. He was shod FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER AT 11 to be sold to me. Clearly if Id have known this I would have handled everything differently but I has been told "perfect for the farrier".
SO Im taking off his back shoes. But Im here to ask what can I do to prepare for that. they are coming off in a week! can anyone recommend any products? hoof Hardeners and prep?? he has been on Biotin for just over a year as-well! Do let me know what has worked for you!
 
I've never had too many issues taking back shoes off versus fronts, but I kept a couple of horses successfully barefoot and my routine for healthy feet was:

A good scrub with a wire brush to get any small stones or bits of grit out of the white line
Spray with a 50/50 solution of Apple Cider Vinegar and water - it's a good natural disinfectant and keeps thrush at bay
If it was wet and I was worried about thrush, I'd pack Red Horse Field Paste into the frog and any small gaps in the white line
I used Red Horse Artimud to plug any larger holes or cracks as and when needed

Feed wise I never did anything special as I follow a low sugar and starch diet anyway, just fed a normal high-spec balancer with good levels of Biotin.
 
To be honest I just took their hind shoes off and didn't do anything special. I think hinds are easier for them than taking off their fronts.

I did however do it going into winter when the ground was soft. Also the field is a very short walk from the yard on tarmac so no stones or anything like that for them to have to walk over.
 
eggs said:
To be honest I just took their hind shoes off and didn't do anything special. I think hinds are easier for them than taking off their fronts.

I did however do it going into winter when the ground was soft. Also the field is a very short walk from the yard on tarmac so no stones or anything like that for them to have to walk over.
Click to expand...
mine is about 20seconds to the field over mud!!! no hoof hardening or anything?? :)
 
I wouldn't do anything either, plenty step out of hind shoes and barely notice. You might get a bit more chipping to start but I wouldn't worry too much about that either
 
I'd also just take hinds off without worrying about prep- but keep an eye on how they wear and adjust the roadwork levels as required.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top