Twisted hoof

ktj1891

ktj1891

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There's a pony I know that's for sale. It's 3 year old polo pony mare. Apparently she has a slightly twisted hoof. Would you touch it? What are the implications of a twisted hoof?
 
Oh rite apparently it's not that bad. What problems can they lead to? Is it a major thing or can it purely just be cosmetic if not too severe?
 
ktj1891 said:
Oh rite apparently it's not that bad. What problems can they lead to? Is it a major thing or can it purely just be cosmetic if not too severe?
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The balance and alignment of the foot/pastern/fetlock/canon and knee are all connected and any of them out of balance will have an effect on the other structures.

If you are thinking of purchasing the horse your vet will be able to advise on the long term soundness/usefulness of the horse. The horse may wear the shoe unevenly or place excessive strain on the joints above the twisted foot. It might brush excessively and cause injuries. Or, a decent farrier can straighten the foot up. The only people who can guide you will be a vet and farrier.

Many horses perform perfectly well with less than perfect limbs or feet. Personally I would not consider a horse with foot or limb deformities.
 
I had a companion youngster with a slight twisted hoof. He has now been sold and is being regularly ridden, it hasn't caused him any problems although I should think you would never want one that you hoped to do high level stuff with.
 
2 main concerns for me
1) Putting on my professional hat, is the foot rotated or deviated, this make a lot of difference when it come to diagnosing, and giving a prognosis (ask your vet to tell you which it is)
2nd) What is a 3 year old doing playing polo. There could be tissue damage due to having to overcompensate for stress related compressions .
 
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